One Night in Rome – Book 1 & 2 (2012–2013)
Genre
💞 Romantic Drama, ✈️ Travel Fiction, 🖋️ Contemporary Slice of Life
One Night in Rome blends emotional realism with passionate romantic storytelling. It explores mature themes of love, regret, and the transformative power of a single night. Perfect for fans of introspective, character-driven narratives with an adult tone.
Main Characters
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Raphaël – A French graphic designer approaching his 40s. On the verge of marriage, he's haunted by memories of his first love, Sophia, and tempted by a letter that reignites long-dormant feelings.
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Sophia – Mysterious, spontaneous, and emotionally complex. She once made a pact with Raphaël: to spend one night together again on their 40th birthday, regardless of their lives at the time.
Writer
✍️ Jim (Philippe)
French comic creator Jim (real name Thierry Terrasson) is renowned for his romantic and psychological storytelling. His works often explore human vulnerability and relationships, with One Night in Rome being one of his most celebrated titles.
Artist
🎨 Jim (Philippe)
Jim also handled the artwork, showcasing stunning, painterly visuals that capture the dreamy ambiance of Rome. His backgrounds are detailed and cinematic, adding atmosphere and emotion to each panel.
Editor Details
📝 Editor-in-Chief: Not publicly credited per French BD publication standards, but overseen by editorial teams at Éditions Bamboo/Grand Angle, known for publishing high-quality bande dessinée.
Publisher and Brand
🏢 Éditions Bamboo – Grand Angle Collection
Known for producing mature, thought-provoking graphic novels, Grand Angle is a subdivision of Bamboo Édition that focuses on realistic and emotional storytelling. One Night in Rome fits squarely within their romantic narrative niche.
Release Year
📆 Book 1: 2012
📆 Book 2: 2013
The books were initially published in French and later gained popularity internationally for their adult themes and artistic finesse.
Brief Plot Summary
When Raphaël receives a letter from Sophia—the woman he once loved passionately two decades ago—it shakes his present reality. They had made a promise: to reunite for one night on their 40th birthdays. As the date nears, Raphaël must decide whether to stay in his stable life or give in to the pull of nostalgia and what might have been.
The story unfolds in the picturesque backdrop of Rome, where memories and desires intertwine. Their reunion forces both characters to confront past choices and the emotional consequences of reignited love. 💌🇮🇹
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Pact of Reconnection: The central premise revolves around a youthful pact—one night of reunion—that challenges the characters’ sense of loyalty, identity, and fulfillment.
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Emotional Time Travel: The story uses memory as a narrative device, allowing readers to explore how first love can shape and haunt the future.
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Crossroads of the Heart: Both characters face internal conflict—torn between the safety of their current lives and the uncertain thrill of an old flame.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
🔍 Was It Love or Escapism?
Some readers interpret Sophia’s motives as a deeper search for closure, not rekindling romance. Others see Raphaël’s journey as an existential crisis disguised as love, with Rome symbolizing both temptation and emotional rebirth.
🕊️ Symbolism of Rome: The Eternal City reflects the timelessness of their connection, yet also the impossibility of preserving youthful love in an adult world.
💭 Alternate Ending Fantasies: Fans speculate what might have happened had they never reunited—would Raphaël have been happier in ignorance? Or was facing his past necessary for growth?
Review Summary
🌟 One Night in Rome is a beautifully illustrated and emotionally intelligent work. Jim’s art is expressive and cinematic, perfectly capturing the delicate tension between past and present. The story excels in emotional nuance, offering no easy answers but instead diving deep into human complexity. Characters are well-developed, especially Sophia, whose ambiguity makes her both haunting and magnetic.
📚 It’s a graphic novel that lingers with you—asking what you would do if you had the chance to revisit your first love for one night.
🖼️ Art: 9/10
🧠 Story Depth: 8.5/10
💔 Emotional Impact: 9/10
✨ For readers seeking more than just romance—a story of choices, consequences, and the haunting beauty of what ifs—One Night in Rome is an unforgettable journey.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
