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A review by kristy_k
Mandela and the General by John Carlin
5.0
“We must strive to find a political solution that reconciled White fears with black aspirations.”
I’ve found I really enjoy history told in graphic novel form. It’s informative while not being bogged down in superfluous detail and it makes history more engaging. I feel using this form of media would greatly help teaching children and teens and wish we could see more of it being used this way.
I read Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, [b:Long Walk to Freedom|318431|Long Walk to Freedom|Nelson Mandela|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327997342s/318431.jpg|2501119], earlier this year and Mandela and the General is a great supplemental piece for it. This takes place after Mandela was released from prison when General Constand Viljoen led white nationalist against the new changes coming about due to the end of apartheid. Eventually the two meet and have discussions which lead to the first all South African elections being held peacefully.
Author John Carlin has the unique insight into this struggle between Mandela and Viljoen. He’s stationed in South Africa as an foreign news correspondent and meets both of the men. From this and countless other interviews he’s able to create this narrative while using illustrations to further help describe the events.
There were some really cool renderings in (what looked like) watercolor that portrayed the shadow of something as something else. I liked the symbolism it gave and felt it added to the story.
After reading his autobiography and this graphic novel, I have to add Mandela as one of the people in history I’d want to meet. His story is truly amazing and he selflessly accomplished and helped progress so much in South Africa. It’s truly seeing awing and inspirational.
I’ve found I really enjoy history told in graphic novel form. It’s informative while not being bogged down in superfluous detail and it makes history more engaging. I feel using this form of media would greatly help teaching children and teens and wish we could see more of it being used this way.
I read Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, [b:Long Walk to Freedom|318431|Long Walk to Freedom|Nelson Mandela|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327997342s/318431.jpg|2501119], earlier this year and Mandela and the General is a great supplemental piece for it. This takes place after Mandela was released from prison when General Constand Viljoen led white nationalist against the new changes coming about due to the end of apartheid. Eventually the two meet and have discussions which lead to the first all South African elections being held peacefully.
Author John Carlin has the unique insight into this struggle between Mandela and Viljoen. He’s stationed in South Africa as an foreign news correspondent and meets both of the men. From this and countless other interviews he’s able to create this narrative while using illustrations to further help describe the events.
There were some really cool renderings in (what looked like) watercolor that portrayed the shadow of something as something else. I liked the symbolism it gave and felt it added to the story.
After reading his autobiography and this graphic novel, I have to add Mandela as one of the people in history I’d want to meet. His story is truly amazing and he selflessly accomplished and helped progress so much in South Africa. It’s truly seeing awing and inspirational.