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tklassy's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book more, but it had far too simple a story line to allow me to become invested in the characters and circumstances. It was its simplicity that let it down, for its art was phenomenal and stunning. I wanted to feel more while reading this, but was unable to. It was a lovely, simple story that should have been longer to allow the reader to really create a connection with the characters.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it, the message, the writing and the art were all superb, however for the it just wasn't enough.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it, the message, the writing and the art were all superb, however for the it just wasn't enough.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Crossposted at Booklikes
“And sometimes good sits right there in our hands, waiting to be molded”
The use of graphic novels to tell stories serious stories does have a long tradition. Today, however, most readers tend to think of the idea as starting with Maus, a groundbreaking graphic novel about a family’s experience both during and after the Holocaust. Breath of Bones follows in this tradition though the point is different.
Breath of Bones might not attract some readers because of the lack of color, but the like Spielberg’s Schinlder’s List, the lack of color lends poignancy to the story. It fits the story. The use of color would cheapen the story.
Unlike many stories where the length of the Second World War is compressed, the length of the war for Europe is brought to the front of the story here. The story opens with a soldier, Noah, who finds himself in dire situation, somewhat similar to one that he faced near the start of the war when he was a boy. His small village saved a British pilot and the Germans come a calling.
And all students of history, even the most hap hazard know what means.
On the surface, the story is about Noah and his struggle to not only understand the war that affects and effects his life in tragic ways, but it is also about the struggle, small as an act can be, to resist. It is Noah’s grandfather who takes the lead and who create Golem portrayed on the cover. A figure of service and protection, the Golem is perhaps the most well known figure in Jewish folklore, though the creature doesn’t seem to attract the attention and favor of vampires and werewolves. This is somewhat disappointing because in one of the more basic aspects a golem is about love for family and for friends.
And that is the purpose of this golem, to protect those little people who so often in war need protection but do not get it. Mostly, if we continue with the ideas expressed in this graphic novel, it seems this lack of protection is because of a lack of knowledge or desire to mold good.
The story in this graphic novel is simple and yet, like the golem, therein lays the power of it.
“And sometimes good sits right there in our hands, waiting to be molded”
The use of graphic novels to tell stories serious stories does have a long tradition. Today, however, most readers tend to think of the idea as starting with Maus, a groundbreaking graphic novel about a family’s experience both during and after the Holocaust. Breath of Bones follows in this tradition though the point is different.
Breath of Bones might not attract some readers because of the lack of color, but the like Spielberg’s Schinlder’s List, the lack of color lends poignancy to the story. It fits the story. The use of color would cheapen the story.
Unlike many stories where the length of the Second World War is compressed, the length of the war for Europe is brought to the front of the story here. The story opens with a soldier, Noah, who finds himself in dire situation, somewhat similar to one that he faced near the start of the war when he was a boy. His small village saved a British pilot and the Germans come a calling.
And all students of history, even the most hap hazard know what means.
On the surface, the story is about Noah and his struggle to not only understand the war that affects and effects his life in tragic ways, but it is also about the struggle, small as an act can be, to resist. It is Noah’s grandfather who takes the lead and who create Golem portrayed on the cover. A figure of service and protection, the Golem is perhaps the most well known figure in Jewish folklore, though the creature doesn’t seem to attract the attention and favor of vampires and werewolves. This is somewhat disappointing because in one of the more basic aspects a golem is about love for family and for friends.
And that is the purpose of this golem, to protect those little people who so often in war need protection but do not get it. Mostly, if we continue with the ideas expressed in this graphic novel, it seems this lack of protection is because of a lack of knowledge or desire to mold good.
The story in this graphic novel is simple and yet, like the golem, therein lays the power of it.
pussreboots's review against another edition
4.0
http://www.pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2014/comments_12/breath_of_bones.html
nharkins's review against another edition
2.0
Much like Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds", this is a fantasy of jews fighting back in WWII, but where the other has phenomenal acting, this has very little substance at all. There's a bit of supernatural, clearly alluding to the legend of The Golem of Prague, but without referencing the actual legend at all. Huge opportunity lost. If the overall theme interests you, read [b:The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|3985|The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|Michael Chabon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503806495s/3985.jpg|2693329] instead.
booknooknoggin's review against another edition
3.0
WWII and a Golem....okay read. All Black and white, and a very short read.
moma's review against another edition
3.0
It would have been amazing if this graphic novel had been longer, but is still a beautiful story and graphic novel.
banana29's review
5.0
Set in World War II, our main character struggles to help his grandparents make ends meet. To keep the village safe, a tiny clay man is given to the grandson and he is told to "Get to know it." Although it's purpose is at first confusing, grandfather explains that "...sometimes it takes monsters to stop monsters." This story was originally released in 3 parts but the beautiful collector's edition is spectacular to behold printed in high quality, glossy paper. There is even a couple pages at the end from Dave Wachter's sketchbook. This story is so short that it could easily be categorized as a picture book and often the framing bleeds across the page. Like [b:The Arrival|920607|The Arrival|Shaun Tan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312827620s/920607.jpg|905641] Breath of Bones crosses historical, mythological and fantasy boundaries bringing this powerful legend to a state of modern belief. I would recommend this to anyone who is learning about the horrors of war for the first time or to anyone who can appreciate humanity's ability to find light even in the darkest of times.
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