James McMullan

McMullan's story is fascinating, and, at times, painful. He grew up during World War II, traveled around a bit too much as a result of the war, and learned the hard way just how cruel life can sometimes be--even to children.

Prior to reading this, I had no idea who James McMullan was, but I didn't think I could go wrong with this artistic memoir, and my instincts were right. The illustrations in here are thoughtful, meticulous, and evocative. There's one in here of young James staring out the window into his aunt's house next door, and I just keep going back to look at it. McMullan’s artwork is brilliant; I had no idea that McMullan is the artist behind some of the most famous (and fabulous!) posters for the Lincoln Center Theater. Here’s a link to his work: https://www.jamesmcmullan.com/… (more)

When I purchased this book I thought that it was a graphic novel. It is more of a memoir told in both the written word and in paintings. On each double page spread James McMullan shares a written page about a phase in his life and a painting showing that phase.

McMullan begins his story with his grandparents arrival in China as missionaries and their departure from preaching the gospel to providing practical assistance that their Chinese neighbors desperately needed. In this process some people became Christians but the family also became wealthy, by Chinese standards, as they created business enterprises to support their practical ministries.

His parents continued the work but when the author came of age he was more interested in art than missionary work. McMullen left China for training but returned with a family. When WWII began the family had to find other places to go for safety and hence, leave China. This is what this book is about.

McMullan has a captivating story to tell and he tells it well. While his paintings are nice, I think his written word about his experiences are what make this book excellent. It is a family saga covering 3 generations. Their story is shaped by the historical events of the era which also makes this book a learning experience for those unfamiliar with the late 1800s through the mid twentieth century.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It was a relaxing read.… (more)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes there is also something you desperately need to say. That is what artist James McMullan does in "Leaving China: An Artist Paints His World War II Childhood." The book is half illustrated memories and half written biography about McMullan's life as an immigrant and war refugee from China after the Japanese invasion. The book's narrative covers from the period of the author's grandparents' initial arrival in China, through his life in China until he and his mother flee in 1934 up to his alienation in various brief homes during his stay in the United States and Canada. Stylistically, the writer chooses to use the written sections mostly for important information like names, places, and time periods (with the occasional excerpt from a letter or note from one of his parents or relatives) and the illustrations are used to convey moments in his life and the emotions he associates with these moments.
These moments become one of the few stumbling blocks of the story. The illustrations are wonderful and stylish; often conveying subtle moods in the setting or other characters. However, McMullan uses a strangely limited color palate for all of his illustrations and the result is a certain degree of blandness or missed opportunities to convey more diverse emotions.
The story itself is the best part. Considering we are living in a time when so many immigrants are fleeing to the United States and other developed countries to escape war and violence, it is worth noting that many of the problems that immigrants from non-white countries experience here are also exacted upon the white immigrant child of two white parents (worst teacher ever). I believe it is important to tell a story of immigrant and refugee alienation from a perspective where white audiences cannot put down all of the immigrants' problems to race difference.
I would definitely want to teach this to a class. From an art perspective and as a way to discuss immigration, isolation, and cultural difference, it is great for a younger audience.… (more)