A Game for Swallows: To Die, To Leave, To Return

The black & white artwork in this autobiographical graphic novel is impressive, particularly at the opening where the author uses stark contrast & abstraction to create the wartime Lebanon of her childhood. Zeina & her brother live with their parents in an apartment overlooking the demarcation line btw East Beirut (Christian) & West Beirut (Muslim). Powerful images underscore the matter-of-fact tone as Zeina describes her parents route to visit her grandmother: "Crossing the handful of streets between us meant following complicated and perilous choreography." (p. 17). It is this potent contrast between the child's voice & the dire circumstances she describes that absolves some of the choppiness of the narrative. While the children await show more their parents' return, they retreat to their foyer, the safest place in the building during bombing while neighbors trickle in with food, stories & solace.

So, even as the parents return & all resume life amid civil war, the reader is left with the dual taste of the kindness of others & the banality of war. Given current circumstances in Syria & other countries similarly fraught, this title might provide a glimpse of circumstances for those not yet ready to read Satrapi's outstanding "Persepolis." show less

The black & white artwork in this autobiographical graphic novel is impressive, particularly at the opening where the author uses stark contrast & abstraction to create the wartime Lebanon of her childhood. Zeina & her brother live with their parents in an apartment overlooking the demarcation line btw East Beirut (Christian) & West Beirut (Muslim). Powerful images underscore the matter-of-fact tone as Zeina describes her parents route to visit her grandmother: "Crossing the handful of streets between us meant following complicated and perilous choreography." (p. 17). It is this potent contrast between the child's voice & the dire circumstances she describes that absolves some of the choppiness of the narrative. While the children await show more their parents' return, they retreat to their foyer, the safest place in the building during bombing while neighbors trickle in with food, stories & solace.

So, even as the parents return & all resume life amid civil war, the reader is left with the dual taste of the kindness of others & the banality of war. Given current circumstances in Syria & other countries similarly fraught, this title might provide a glimpse of circumstances for those not yet ready to read Satrapi's outstanding "Persepolis." show less

Tense but quiet, Zeina Abirached weaves this autobiographical story spanning a single night of the Lebanese civil war: her parents, trapped a few blocks away, cannot get back to their children because of the day's violent bombardment. Abirached's heavy, geometric blacks, repetition, and thoughtful use of negative space ramps up the anxiety of the make-shift family of apartment dwellers, gathering in the safest apartment in the complex to wait out the bombing, and hope for the safe arrival of Abirached's parents. Humor and matter-of-fact acceptance of the situation offset the horrors of war, as Similar to Marjane Satrapi's "Persepolis" in style and in subject matter, this title nevertheless stands out in its approach. While "Persepolis" show more spans many years and many locations, Abirached's story trades comprehensive narrative for suspense. Visually, the story breathes more than "Persepolis," yet the linework, more thick and stylized, feels heavier. Abirached uses ticking clocks, puffing cigarettes, and a tapestry depicting Moses and the Israelites fleeing Egypt to further create a thick atmosphere, that contrasts with the tenants' attempts to keep positive. Perhaps not a title that children would choose without prompting, this translated (from French) account of anxious waiting provides a top-quality look into life during a time of violence. show less

Las memorias de Zeina Abirached en formato gráfico siguen una sola noche de 1984 en el este de Beirut, mientras la Guerra Civil Libanesa se libraba enfrentando a cristianos contra musulmanes. Los padres de Zeina salen para ver a su abuela materna, y sus vecinos pasan durante el bombardeo para compartir historias, comida, bebida y todo el buen humor que uno pueda reunir en tiempos de guerra. Una lectura maravillosa que revela la naturaleza angustiosa y sin sentido de la guerra.

Zeina Abirached’s memoir in graphic format follows a single evening in 1984 in East Beirut while the Lebanese Civil War was raging pitting Christians against Muslims. Zeina’s parents slip out to check on her maternal grandmother, and their neighbors drop by show more during the shelling to share stories, food, drink and as much good cheer as one can summon during wartime. A wonderful, wonderful read that reveals the nerve-wracking and senseless nature of war. show less

In ways that traditional books cannot, graphic novels seem to have the ability to express difficult things so that they cannot be dismissed. This book brings to life the realities of war from the eyes of a child, so in many ways it is simple and straightforward. It's just one day, just one room, and yet the fear and anxiety are clear. I have seen comparisons to other award-winning graphic novels, and while I think those comparisons are fair, Abirached still has her own story to tell. I found this to be powerful and moving. Recommended.

This graphic novel is great for both middle and young adult readers. It is a recollection of events from the author’s childhood that are a representation of the struggle of people and families during the Lebanese Civil War. The illustrator uses stylized black and white illustrations that are very intense. The font was a bit obtrusive to reading, but it was stylized to match to imagery and worked for the overall appearance of the book. The illustrations of the streets and roadblocks were very impactful, so was the dramatic ending. This graphic novel clearly illustrates the strength of community during even the hardest times.

This graphic novel is great for both middle and young adult readers. It is a recollection of events from the author’s childhood that are a representation of the struggle of people and families during the Lebanese Civil War. The illustrator uses stylized black and white illustrations that are very intense. The font was a bit obtrusive to reading, but it was stylized to match to imagery and worked for the overall appearance of the book. The illustrations of the streets and roadblocks were very impactful, so was the dramatic ending. This graphic novel clearly illustrates the strength of community during even the hardest times.