Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Spiegelman, A. (1986). Maus I: a survivor's tale: my Father bleeds history. Pantheon Publishing.

ISBN 039474232

 

Plot Summary-

This book is not just a story, it is a brutally moving work of art. Maus recounts the chilling experiences of the Spiegelman’s father during the Holocaust, with Jews drawn as wide-eyed mice and Nazis as menacing cats. Maus is a haunting tale within a tale, weaving Spiegelman’s account of his tortured relationship with his aging father into an astonishing retelling of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies. It is a heart wrenching story of survival and takes a serious look at the legacy of trauma.

 

Critical Analysis-

This two-part novel traces the journey of Vladek Spiegelman, a father and Holocaust survivor. Through a series of personal interviews, by his son Art, Vladek recounts his journey of survival though a chronological series of stories. Art consistently alternates between narrative past and present while conducting interviews with his father. His illustrations depict the Jews as mice, the Nazis as cats, and the Poles as pigs. The images, dialogue, photographs, and Spiegelman’s narrative style provides an expression of experience through illustration, as well as a refusal to accept the simplification of the Holocaust experience. This book encompasses several genres, themes, and interpretations, which provide an in-depth exploration of an individual’ s pursuit to survive in excruciating conditions. The level of Holocaust research Spiegelman conducted for this project made the story very authentic.

 

Review Excerpts-

1992 Pulitzer Prize for Letters Award Winner

1992 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album Winner                                                                 

Harvey Award Winner for Best Graphic Album

New York Times Bestseller

“The most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust.”- Booklist Starred Review

“The first masterpiece in comic book history.”- Kirkus Starred Review

 

Connections-

Maus I recounts Vladek Spiegelman's time as a prisoner of war shortly after the beginning of World War II and the progression of Nazi actions against Polish Jews.

-A short history lesson can be created about the German invasion and annexation of Poland, public policies that oppressed Jews, and concentration camps. It will provide students with a deeper understanding of the events depicted in the graphic novel.

-Students can also identify instances in the text in which the artwork heightens or parallels the emotional content of the story.

-Students can assess Spiegelman's decision to weave the stories of the young and the elderly Vladek together rather than telling them separately.

-If students are interested, they can continue on to read: Maus II ISBN 0679729771

 

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