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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Having recently read other graphic novels dealing with the theme of family, I enjoyed this story about a woman and her grandmother, who return to Poland to claim a family property.
The art didn't really stand out to me, but it complemented the story well. I liked the relationships between all of the characters, although I thought some of the writing was a little strained at times. There were a few instances where I wasn't into the plot, or didn't really buy into how the characters were acting, which left me kind of detached from the story. Overall I liked it, but there were definitely parts where I thought things weren't really coming together like they could be.
I don't really know a lot about wars, so I enjoyed seeing that history from a civilian perspective, especially on the European side of it. How the war was remembered and comparing life then to life today helped to strengthen the book, since it showed multiple views (both from the granddaughter and the grandmother). If there had only been one or the other, the story would not have been as interesting.
Although war stories aren't really my thing, I thought this was a fine graphic novel, and would consider picking up other works from the author.
The art didn't really stand out to me, but it complemented the story well. I liked the relationships between all of the characters, although I thought some of the writing was a little strained at times. There were a few instances where I wasn't into the plot, or didn't really buy into how the characters were acting, which left me kind of detached from the story. Overall I liked it, but there were definitely parts where I thought things weren't really coming together like they could be.
I don't really know a lot about wars, so I enjoyed seeing that history from a civilian perspective, especially on the European side of it. How the war was remembered and comparing life then to life today helped to strengthen the book, since it showed multiple views (both from the granddaughter and the grandmother). If there had only been one or the other, the story would not have been as interesting.
Although war stories aren't really my thing, I thought this was a fine graphic novel, and would consider picking up other works from the author.
Great discovery, this was an unexpected reading that I finished it in one go. A heartful, interesting and fun story with romance and mistery that keeps you engaged throughout the detangling of the plot.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
I got half-way through this in one evening and then slowed down to savor it because it deserves to be savored. I heart Rutu forever. More specifics later.
Update: I finished it and it was EXCELLENT from start to finish.
Update: I finished it and it was EXCELLENT from start to finish.
The art in this reminded me of a combination of Tintin and old woodcut illustrations from fairy tale collections. Simple, flat colors and amazingly expressive facial expressions and body language for such limited line work. One of the reasons for that naturalism is that they used reference actors/models for all the main characters (and a few minor ones). Great writing, the dialogue flows very naturally and reads more like a screenplay than a comic. I'm interested in reading Modan's first book (at least that was published in English...that I'm aware of) Exit Wounds.
One of those perfect graphic novels in which nothing much happens and you don't really care, because what DID happen was that a character's perspective of everything that is and was has changed.
A woman and her granddaughter go to Poland to get back property that the woman lost during WWII.
You should read it.
A woman and her granddaughter go to Poland to get back property that the woman lost during WWII.
You should read it.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was positively surprised by the book, having picked it off the shelf at a local library. It has a sweet story, surrounded by challenging history and family dynamics. Modan doesn't overly explain anything, and you pick up the situation as it progresses. I couldn't help but think about Maus as I read this book because of the subject matter.
The illustrations are confident and wonderful. I really love Modan's style.
The biggest critique would be of the uncle character, who adds a certain drama to the story, but feels the most forced. I am left wondering if people like that really exist, where as the grandmother and Mica feel like real people I might encounter on the street from the way they are depicted.
The illustrations are confident and wonderful. I really love Modan's style.
The biggest critique would be of the uncle character, who adds a certain drama to the story, but feels the most forced. I am left wondering if people like that really exist, where as the grandmother and Mica feel like real people I might encounter on the street from the way they are depicted.