Maus

Mid-1930's to Winter 1944

By now I hope that most folks have at least heard of this duo of graphic novels. Maus holds the distinction of being the only comic book ever honored with a Pulitzer Prize. Briefly put, it's a re-telling of the Nazi concentration camps in which Jews are portrayed as mice and Nazis are cats. The first book is subtitled 'My Father Bleeds History'. As a title alone this is prize worthy, but it also reflects a dual storyline of the author's relationship with his father, a camp survivor, on whom the graphic novel is based on. The complexity of our relationships with our loved ones can be as hard to explain to younger generations as trying to make sense of genocide.

This book will convert anyone still underestimating the graphic novel medium as "funny books". I can't say enough about how great it is, certainly considering what's already been written and the awards it's received. 'Watchmen' may have re-invented the art form, but 'Maus' solidified it as art.

My initial reaction to both books was in no way muddled- I marked it as some of the highest rated reading material to cross my path in years. This series should be required reading. A frank and direct recollection of the concentration camps with details most people are afraid to look in the eye. And yet, the animal charactizations perfectly serve to deliver a dose of unexpected humanity to the story, and even a lot of humor in parts. Well, the kind of humor that lets the human race chuckle in even the most dire of circumstances.

My wife is neither a comic reader nor a history buff, so I knew I was asking a lot when I dropped a copy on her nightstand and encouraged her to give it a try. She read the whole thing in practically one sitting. And even said it was good! That's high praise indeed.

This book is really an autobiographical piece of non-fiction, despite the anthromorphic symbolism. It bears no relevance to my timeline concept, aside from the markings of history and the second world war, much like a lot of my readings around this era. Doesn't matter. Check my book club profiles- they list Maus as the best thing I've read in recent years- period. I don't know when is an appropriate age for youngsters to read it-there is a lot of graphic violence, all real of course. I've had this debate with friends online, and feel it's a parent's choice when and how to expose their children to some of the ugliest parts of world history, but I would guess that by middle school interested readers could be exposed, with the assistance of a parent and / or teacher.

NEXT BLOG POST: Magick and WWII collide in a pretty hardcore way.