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A review by joelogsliterature
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
5.0
Holy shit. I did not know what exactly to expect of this. I knew nothing except what Shaun said in a video, the video that prompted me to read this. (Decent watch but he focuses only on one aspect of Maus and his particular interpretation is not the only possible one. Spiegelman himself seems to suggest there is no lesson here per se.)
The font and relative lack of shading was a bit harsh to adjust to, but I imagine it's much more readable in print. It's ultimately a memoir of just one experience, but many points echo still. I understand why many Jewish commentators were upset with it initially (it is understandable for them to "want good PR," as it were, given their ongoing persecution by some). Still, it does not seem unfair. Biased? Sure, but only in the most honest of ways.
The second part or book is far more engaging than the first. Spiegelman is experimental without feeling pretentious. The people behind the story are given proper respect in the narrative. Spiegelman's own grief and conflict about profiting from the story are compelling.
The font and relative lack of shading was a bit harsh to adjust to, but I imagine it's much more readable in print. It's ultimately a memoir of just one experience, but many points echo still. I understand why many Jewish commentators were upset with it initially (it is understandable for them to "want good PR," as it were, given their ongoing persecution by some). Still, it does not seem unfair. Biased? Sure, but only in the most honest of ways.
The second part or book is far more engaging than the first. Spiegelman is experimental without feeling pretentious. The people behind the story are given proper respect in the narrative. Spiegelman's own grief and conflict about profiting from the story are compelling.