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A review by krys_kilz
Zenobia by Morten Dürr
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
I have some reservations about this graphic novel. It feels exploitative to me that the author and illustrator are profiting from an incredibly violent story that is completely outside their own lived experience and partially fueled by their country's (in)action. "Raising awareness" only goes so far and if you are making money off of raising awareness on an issue that does not directly impact you... well that's kinda gross.
It also bothered me that there was no context provided on the war in Syria in the form of an Author's Note or Appendix. Especially since this book's target audience is children, many of whom may not have previous knowledge about the war in Syria going into reading.
Yes, the artwork and coloring are stunning. And yes, the limited text is very effective at tapping into the reader's emotion. My questions are more about who is telling this story and why?
*Side Note: I don't think that authors/illustrators are required to only write/draw stories or characters that align with their lived experience. I'm more interested in how power moves/shifts through the storyteller and their relationship with the subject(s).*
It also bothered me that there was no context provided on the war in Syria in the form of an Author's Note or Appendix. Especially since this book's target audience is children, many of whom may not have previous knowledge about the war in Syria going into reading.
Yes, the artwork and coloring are stunning. And yes, the limited text is very effective at tapping into the reader's emotion. My questions are more about who is telling this story and why?
*Side Note: I don't think that authors/illustrators are required to only write/draw stories or characters that align with their lived experience. I'm more interested in how power moves/shifts through the storyteller and their relationship with the subject(s).*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and War
Minor: Death of parent