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Un sac de billes #1-2
Un sacchetto di biglie
Non ho neanche pianto. Un anno fa non avrei resistito al pensiero di papà arrestato. Sono cresciuto, indurito, cambiato... il cuore si è abituato ai pericoli, alle catastrofi, forse non sono più capace di provare un dolore profondo. Il bambino sperduto nel metrò diretto alla stazione di Austerlitz, diciotto mesi fa, è scomparso poco a poco, nei treni, sulle strade della Provenza, nei corridoi di un alberto di Nizza... i nazisti non mi hanno ancora preso la vita, ma mi rubano l'infanzia.Parigi, 1941. Nella loro cameretta di rue de Clignancourt, due fratelli ascoltano rapiti una storia della buonanotte raccontata dal loro papà. È una storia fatta di avventure lontane, di assalti e combattimenti, di pittoresche fughe a cavallo per l’Europa: uno dei tanti episodi della vita epica di Jacob Joffo – il nonno che i piccoli Maurice e Jo non hanno mai conosciuto – e della lotta per la sopravvivenza del suo popolo contro i terribili pogrom perpetrati in Russia dalle truppe zariste agli albori del XX secolo.
Non sanno ancora, i due bambini, che ben presto quella che considerano una semplice favola tornerà a replicarsi e ad assumere i contorni di un vero incubo: nella Francia da poco occupata dalle truppe tedesche – un Paese in cui su ogni municipio campeggia la scritta Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, ma costretto a piegarsi alle leggi razziali naziste – il tempo dei giochi e della spensieratezza sta irrimediabilmente per finire. Per Jo e Maurice arriverà ben presto il momento di dire addio all’infanzia e di scappare verso la “Francia libera” in un’avventura che sembra tratta da un film, e invece è una storia vera, commovente e drammatica. Un arduo percorso iniziatico, in grado di segnare un uomo per tutta la vita, trasformato in quello che è oggi un classico della letteratura per ragazzi tradotto in tutto il mondo.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
October 17, 2021
This is a comics adaptation of Joseph Joffo’s memoir recounting the incredible story of his Jewish family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1941 to the relatively safer south of France. It’s all the more impressive given that Jo and his brother Maurice were young teens when they made the journey by themselves (going in pairs was easier than going as an entire family).
It’s a gripping read as we see them continually having to dodge Nazis and Vichy troops (French soldiers who were in league with the Nazis) and unexpectedly heart-warming too, as they are able to stay out of the death camps thanks to the repeated kindness of strangers looking out for the kids. The episode where the boys have to locate a passeur (a guide) who knows the local area and can avoid enemy patrols to get them across borders was especially exciting.
The book provides an interesting perspective on everyday life during the occupation - it doesn’t feel like wartime as the book is full of people getting on with their days, school, work, etc. - though you catch glimpses of the encroaching war. For example, the complex barter system the boys have to learn to get simple ingredients for meals and the meat shortages in the cafes.
It also shows you why the Nazis were always doomed to fail - when you have this many people willing to stick their neck out to help two young Jewish boys they’ve never even seen before, you’re never going to conquer that society. It’s too clear how despicable the Nazis were to so many French people, even to some inside the Vichy government. Still, as resourceful and quick as the boys are, and with the help of strangers, they definitely were lucky to get away so many times.
The ending is a bit rushed. The story suddenly jumps ahead 2 years, then 1 year, and skips over explanations so it’s not clear who Petain was or why people hate him, or what happened to Jo’s father. There are notes at the end that explain these aspects of the story but you shouldn’t need to rely on postscripts to explain important details - these should be done in the comic proper.
And I wasn’t that taken with Vincent Bailly’s art. The lines are too scratchy and the colours are blotchy. The landscapes look great with this style but not so much when it comes to the characters. It just didn’t appeal that much to me.
Still, I mostly really enjoyed A Bag of Marbles. It’s an amazing, unique story and a fascinating view into the lives of everyday people in wartime France.
It’s a gripping read as we see them continually having to dodge Nazis and Vichy troops (French soldiers who were in league with the Nazis) and unexpectedly heart-warming too, as they are able to stay out of the death camps thanks to the repeated kindness of strangers looking out for the kids. The episode where the boys have to locate a passeur (a guide) who knows the local area and can avoid enemy patrols to get them across borders was especially exciting.
The book provides an interesting perspective on everyday life during the occupation - it doesn’t feel like wartime as the book is full of people getting on with their days, school, work, etc. - though you catch glimpses of the encroaching war. For example, the complex barter system the boys have to learn to get simple ingredients for meals and the meat shortages in the cafes.
It also shows you why the Nazis were always doomed to fail - when you have this many people willing to stick their neck out to help two young Jewish boys they’ve never even seen before, you’re never going to conquer that society. It’s too clear how despicable the Nazis were to so many French people, even to some inside the Vichy government. Still, as resourceful and quick as the boys are, and with the help of strangers, they definitely were lucky to get away so many times.
The ending is a bit rushed. The story suddenly jumps ahead 2 years, then 1 year, and skips over explanations so it’s not clear who Petain was or why people hate him, or what happened to Jo’s father. There are notes at the end that explain these aspects of the story but you shouldn’t need to rely on postscripts to explain important details - these should be done in the comic proper.
And I wasn’t that taken with Vincent Bailly’s art. The lines are too scratchy and the colours are blotchy. The landscapes look great with this style but not so much when it comes to the characters. It just didn’t appeal that much to me.
Still, I mostly really enjoyed A Bag of Marbles. It’s an amazing, unique story and a fascinating view into the lives of everyday people in wartime France.
February 29, 2016
I really liked this memoir, adapted by Kris in 2011 from the 1973 memoir by Joffo and translated by Edward Gauvin about Joffo's Jewish family's emigration from Paris as Nazi occupation made it increasingly dangerous to be there. Four sons, a mother and father, all proceed out of Paris in various ways, though our focus is on the youngest, Jo, 11, and Maurice, a little older, who are sent out of Paris (alone!) on a trip across Europe as danger ensues.
There are several worries/pitfalls with Holocaust escape memoirs, in my opinion. One is the heroic Hollywood story, the unbelievable Hollywood thriller where everyone lives happily ever after. Even if it's true it is a problem as a story. But without revealing too much, let me just say that this does have it's thrilling and inspiring aspects, and yet is not perfect--shall we just say--for all family members. It has sadness in it even beyond the broad Holocaust horrors. And likable people, Jo and his family!
I have read a LOT of Holocaust novels and memoirs, so have a tendency to be a little jaded at this point, but I was pretty completely captivated by this story and the warm and inviting watercolor illustrations. It's a comic, not a picturebook, probably intended for young adults, primarily, and should be used in schools! Very good stuff.
There are several worries/pitfalls with Holocaust escape memoirs, in my opinion. One is the heroic Hollywood story, the unbelievable Hollywood thriller where everyone lives happily ever after. Even if it's true it is a problem as a story. But without revealing too much, let me just say that this does have it's thrilling and inspiring aspects, and yet is not perfect--shall we just say--for all family members. It has sadness in it even beyond the broad Holocaust horrors. And likable people, Jo and his family!
I have read a LOT of Holocaust novels and memoirs, so have a tendency to be a little jaded at this point, but I was pretty completely captivated by this story and the warm and inviting watercolor illustrations. It's a comic, not a picturebook, probably intended for young adults, primarily, and should be used in schools! Very good stuff.
September 17, 2021
The true story of 2 young Jewish brothers who escape Paris when the Nazis invade. Their father sends them off on their own to cross over into "free" France where the Vicky government is in charge. The story follows the 2 brothers along with the rest of their family as they gather and scatter throughout France as the Germans close in on them. It's full of tense moments, narrow escapes, and the occasional happy moment as the family tries to survive. I found Vincent Bailly's painted art too sloppy for my tastes. Sometimes I couldn't tell characters apart. Still, the watercolor art capably sets the tone of this true story from World War II.
August 6, 2022
A very good and easy read about a family of 6 and their struggles to flee in groups of two to freedom due to being Jewish in Nazi occupied France.
The story is told through the eyes of the two youngest Joffo brothers during their early adolescent years and their adventures when they reunite with their family and a few months later forced to split up and flee yet again. Even though 5 of the Joffo's make it through the war, their father does get arrested, sent to a camp and more than likely dies. All four of the Joffo boys making it thru the war along with their mother to continue life without their father. The family's struggles and adventures will continue to get passed down through future generations. Tales that started in Russia with their grandparents and the Russian pograms and continue from Northern France and the SS officers into Southern France which means freedom and home to this family that has survived many generations of hatred.
The story is told through the eyes of the two youngest Joffo brothers during their early adolescent years and their adventures when they reunite with their family and a few months later forced to split up and flee yet again. Even though 5 of the Joffo's make it through the war, their father does get arrested, sent to a camp and more than likely dies. All four of the Joffo boys making it thru the war along with their mother to continue life without their father. The family's struggles and adventures will continue to get passed down through future generations. Tales that started in Russia with their grandparents and the Russian pograms and continue from Northern France and the SS officers into Southern France which means freedom and home to this family that has survived many generations of hatred.
June 27, 2013
As a teacher, I've watched graphic novels change the habits of reluctant readers. Unfortunately, it's been difficult to get some of my colleagues to treat them as the quality stories they often are. Bag of Marbles covers so many fronts. It's a stunningly told story about the relatively lucky families persecuted during WW2.
This is a title that should accompany any unit covering the Holocaust. Secondly, just as with Little White Duck, the visual format enables both graphic novels and memoirs to find a new audience. My students, the ones who tear through anything visual, will be opened up to a new dimension of thought about story. And, as I saw with Little White Duck, my highly able readers who previously saw GN as beneath them, will grow in their appreciation for this outstanding format.
This is a title that should accompany any unit covering the Holocaust. Secondly, just as with Little White Duck, the visual format enables both graphic novels and memoirs to find a new audience. My students, the ones who tear through anything visual, will be opened up to a new dimension of thought about story. And, as I saw with Little White Duck, my highly able readers who previously saw GN as beneath them, will grow in their appreciation for this outstanding format.
August 25, 2021
An amazing true story of two young Jewish boys' flight across France during World War II. It is touching and suspenseful and full of AMAZING acts of kindness. You can truly feel all of Europe secretly united against the Nazi regime. And there's lots of intriguing detail on what life was like during World War II in occupied and Vichy France.
It's also entirely beautiful illustrated, with some of the individual panels being works of art.
It's also entirely beautiful illustrated, with some of the individual panels being works of art.
December 27, 2013
This book totally impressed me. It surpassed my expectations. But then again, maybe I had the bar pretty low.
I don't typically gravitate to holocaust stories (due to high exposure at a young age), and I'm always suspicious of adaptations and translated works - I fear dilution, what can I say. Ok, that's a grand generalization, but whatevs.
Anyway, this was awesome. It's a different angle of World War II than I've read before, and the story is told really really well. Although the illustration style is not my normal jam, the color makes it pop off the page, and I found myself feeling for this little kid as he was forced to lie his way across France. The adapter chooses moments which show rather than tell the story, and youthful vocabulary is translated well.
Although this may not attract kids who are not already interested in stories of Europe during World War II, anyone would be wise to pick it up. Definitely recommended.
I don't typically gravitate to holocaust stories (due to high exposure at a young age), and I'm always suspicious of adaptations and translated works - I fear dilution, what can I say. Ok, that's a grand generalization, but whatevs.
Anyway, this was awesome. It's a different angle of World War II than I've read before, and the story is told really really well. Although the illustration style is not my normal jam, the color makes it pop off the page, and I found myself feeling for this little kid as he was forced to lie his way across France. The adapter chooses moments which show rather than tell the story, and youthful vocabulary is translated well.
Although this may not attract kids who are not already interested in stories of Europe during World War II, anyone would be wise to pick it up. Definitely recommended.
August 8, 2024
Enjoyed every single page of this Graphic Novel. I would also love to read the original story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 13, 2020
The things parents had to do to keep their children safe! Having them go out and fend for themselves? It's an incredible story.
September 16, 2024
Very touching story! Nice artwork! There were some faults here and there, with the story or the consistency of the artwork, but overall a solid work!
September 7, 2020
I’ve read many accounts of suffering and tragedy in concentration camps. This one is a little different because this family actually had the foresight to escape. I probably would have preferred the actual memoir. The graphic story comes across as too disconnected with wide, not well explained gaps in the story. The narrative is weak but the illustrations are beautiful.
November 9, 2013
An engaging, poignant graphic memoir about French Jewish children fleeing to Unoccupied France. Adapted from the French memoir by Joffo.
September 2, 2020
This is an amazing book.... the story is pretty thrilling, fast-paced, and has some fantastic escapes in the dark and scary forest from evil Nazis. I realize there are some elements missing, but what is shorted it made up by the beautiful and so vivid artwork, just amazing. I would have never thought that a graphic novel could transcend the hardcovers of literature, but it can, and they do.
The story is about Joseph Joffo's family and how they escaped occupied France and being sent to concentration camps. While there are four brothers, two have entered adulthood are not the focus of the story. The story is about the journey of the younger brothers Maurice and Joseph who leave the family home ahead of the Nazis and travel across the country to the Zone Libre. The story is about the stolen childhood of these children
I am now addicted to graphic novels! What a brilliant idea.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
The story is about Joseph Joffo's family and how they escaped occupied France and being sent to concentration camps. While there are four brothers, two have entered adulthood are not the focus of the story. The story is about the journey of the younger brothers Maurice and Joseph who leave the family home ahead of the Nazis and travel across the country to the Zone Libre. The story is about the stolen childhood of these children
I am now addicted to graphic novels! What a brilliant idea.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
July 7, 2020
Beautiful artwork
September 10, 2018
It was a really good book about two Jewish boys who lived in France during World War 2.
October 24, 2020
Sin duda alguna, estos recuerdos de su infancia que comparte el autor con nosotros son abrumadores. Él, el más pequeño de cuatro hermanos, deberá de cruzar la frontera con Italia junto con uno de sus hermanos, para poder sobrevivir a la persecución nazi contra los judíos.
Pero siempre hay esperanza, y este libro está plagada de ella. En él, aparecen muchas personas que ayudaron y salvaron en más de una ocasión a los dos hermanos: gente desinteresada, da igual su religión o precedencia, que no podía permitir que se llevaran a estos niños a un campo de concentración.
La historia de Joffo es dura, pero como digo, tiene un final feliz. Un final que miles de judíos no tuvieron, y, aunque es triste recordarlo, también está bien el leer historias bonitas, en la que aparece más buena que mala gente. Me ha llamado mucho la atención que fueron varios los párrocos cristianos que ayudaron a los dos hermanos a salir de más de un apuro, porque indica que da igual tu religión, puedes ser buena o mala persona.
Al final, al ser una historia contada por un niño y a través de los recuerdos de un niño, no deja de tener ese toque de esperanza que tiñe todo de colores, y es por esto que la narración resulta diferente a otras hasta ahora.
Seguramente la novela de Joffo sea una maravilla, viendo lo que han hecho Kris y Vincent Baily en este cómic. Si me cruzo con ella, le daré una oportunidad, porque debe de ser una lectura preciosa, aunque con tintes tristes por tratarse del tema de un conflicto bélico como aquel.
Pero siempre hay esperanza, y este libro está plagada de ella. En él, aparecen muchas personas que ayudaron y salvaron en más de una ocasión a los dos hermanos: gente desinteresada, da igual su religión o precedencia, que no podía permitir que se llevaran a estos niños a un campo de concentración.
La historia de Joffo es dura, pero como digo, tiene un final feliz. Un final que miles de judíos no tuvieron, y, aunque es triste recordarlo, también está bien el leer historias bonitas, en la que aparece más buena que mala gente. Me ha llamado mucho la atención que fueron varios los párrocos cristianos que ayudaron a los dos hermanos a salir de más de un apuro, porque indica que da igual tu religión, puedes ser buena o mala persona.
Al final, al ser una historia contada por un niño y a través de los recuerdos de un niño, no deja de tener ese toque de esperanza que tiñe todo de colores, y es por esto que la narración resulta diferente a otras hasta ahora.
Seguramente la novela de Joffo sea una maravilla, viendo lo que han hecho Kris y Vincent Baily en este cómic. Si me cruzo con ella, le daré una oportunidad, porque debe de ser una lectura preciosa, aunque con tintes tristes por tratarse del tema de un conflicto bélico como aquel.
October 12, 2013
This review is for a new graphic novel interpretation of the novel 'A Bag Of Marbles' by Joseph Joffo. It tells the story of how his Jewish family survived and escaped from occupied France during World War II.
When Nazis threaten Maurice and Jo, their father has a plan. He's already migrated from Russia to Paris to escape other problems, so he is used to running. And he's sent Jo's 2 older brothers on ahead. The boys have to make their way south through the border of occupied France without papers and only their ingenuity to get them by. There are narrow escapes, clever plans, heart-warming reunions and tragedy.
The art by Vincent Bailly is great, keeping the art light and then ominous then light as the story changes tones. It's a rough subject, but it's a good story and is accessible to middle grade children. The original novel has been translated into 18 languages, and after reading this, I can see why the story has endured.
When Nazis threaten Maurice and Jo, their father has a plan. He's already migrated from Russia to Paris to escape other problems, so he is used to running. And he's sent Jo's 2 older brothers on ahead. The boys have to make their way south through the border of occupied France without papers and only their ingenuity to get them by. There are narrow escapes, clever plans, heart-warming reunions and tragedy.
The art by Vincent Bailly is great, keeping the art light and then ominous then light as the story changes tones. It's a rough subject, but it's a good story and is accessible to middle grade children. The original novel has been translated into 18 languages, and after reading this, I can see why the story has endured.
July 18, 2013
Years ago I read the original Sac des billes and enjoyed it so I was curious to see how it had been translated and adapted as a children's graphic novel. I received an eARC through NetGalley and while the artwork wasn't sharp like the final book will be, I definitely enjoyed reading it. It catches the spirit of cheerfully courageous survival in the face of terror and anguish that is so much a part of the original. It will also be a good window on an aspect of life during WWII that is not often covered in Jewish Holocaust novels, that of survival in everyday surroundings. I also appreciated that it mixed French and German phrases into the story along with their translations. Sometimes books are overtranslated, but this is a very good translation. Highly recommended.
July 31, 2015
Beautiful illustrations that caught my eye when it got returned to the library. A touching story based on true events that also avoids any melodrama and had me worrying for these two boys and their family without seeming to try tugging at your heartstrings.
April 26, 2015
I read the memoir (English edition) about a year ago and loved it. The graphic version is charming, evocative, I would hazard to say beautiful, and brings the time and place uniquely to life. That said, the non-graphic book was a lot more detailed and I missed Joffo's often amused, sometimes terrified or bewildered, but always life-affirming narrative voice.
April 10, 2018
In 1941, in Paris, France, Joesph and Maurice one day comes home bloodied from a fight and their father tells them that it's time for them to leave Paris and flee to where their older brothers live, in Italy because the German occupation is threatening the safety of their family.
When I read the synopsis I expected the whole book to be about their travels, but it wasn't. I think around 30-something percent or so was when they made it, safely to where their brothers were, but then the family had to be on the move about two or three more times. I also did not know that this was actually based on the author, Joesph Joffo's, life for some odd reason when the character's name and the author's name are the same, but that was me being dumb.
I feel bad judging a book that was based on someone's actual life, but there were moments that if he were to tell me this face-to-face, then I wouldn't believe it. There was a moment in the book where Joesph and Maurice ran into this kid named Raymond and he was able to help them cross but only if they delivered the meat to the rest of their route. For some reason that didn't seem believable to me at all.
Also, sadly even though it was only 126 pages I was a bit bored with it and I wasn't a fan of the artwork. I do, however, liked how Joesph and Maurice were able to survive and care for themselves while they were fleeing.
Overall, I thought this was an okay graphic novel, but at the same time, it was very inspiring to see Joesph tell his story.
When I read the synopsis I expected the whole book to be about their travels, but it wasn't. I think around 30-something percent or so was when they made it, safely to where their brothers were, but then the family had to be on the move about two or three more times. I also did not know that this was actually based on the author, Joesph Joffo's, life for some odd reason when the character's name and the author's name are the same, but that was me being dumb.
I feel bad judging a book that was based on someone's actual life, but there were moments that if he were to tell me this face-to-face, then I wouldn't believe it. There was a moment in the book where Joesph and Maurice ran into this kid named Raymond and he was able to help them cross but only if they delivered the meat to the rest of their route. For some reason that didn't seem believable to me at all.
Also, sadly even though it was only 126 pages I was a bit bored with it and I wasn't a fan of the artwork. I do, however, liked how Joesph and Maurice were able to survive and care for themselves while they were fleeing.
Overall, I thought this was an okay graphic novel, but at the same time, it was very inspiring to see Joesph tell his story.
April 26, 2024
Fransada, Nazi işgalinden kaçmak zorunda kalan iki kardeşin hikayesi. Klasik, klişeleşmiş holokost anlatısından ziyade, nazi işgalinin etkilerinin insanlarda ve çocuklarda nasıl izler bıraktığına, onların erken büyümelerinin izlerine değinen bir hikaye.
Hikayesi akıcı ve sanat tarafı oldukça kuvvetli.
Gerçek frankafon hikaye okumak isteyenler için ideal bir çizgi roman.
Hikayesi akıcı ve sanat tarafı oldukça kuvvetli.
Gerçek frankafon hikaye okumak isteyenler için ideal bir çizgi roman.
March 13, 2025
After reading this I found out it is also a movie, and I think I would prefer in that format. The timeline and characters were not at all clear. At the end it had a guide to WW2, but not their personal history. I had no idea what happened to their dad, so I googled him to find out. That really should have been added to the story in some manner. They addressed it in a vague way, but didn't mention he was sent to Auschwitz or how they found out he had been murdered in the camp. The flow of the story was rather awkward as well. This family's survival story is amazing, but a graphic novel did not do it justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2019
I've only read a handful of graphic novels, and the only other WWII graphic novel I've read is Maus, which is one of my all time favorite books. This one would definitely be a good option for kids who love graphic novels but aren't into history. I loved the illustrations but overall felt the story was somewhat forgettable.
October 20, 2024
Die Geschichte einer Familie von nichtgläubigen Juden, die im zweiten Weltkrieg auf der Flucht vor Verfolgung durch die Nazis viel in Europa herumgekommen sind, aus Sicht der anfangs unter-10-jährigen Kinder.
December 26, 2021
Captivating account of two Jewish brothers surviving persecution in France. Using their wiles and friendly helpers, they escape the Nazis and racist locals.
May 24, 2022
Adaptación de la novela basada en las memorias de Joseph Joffo: dos niños judíos se ven obligados a huir ante el avance nazi en Francia. Duro, difícil de digerir, tierno e inocente. Todo esto a partes iguales. Lleno de supervivencia en cada página y de cómo siempre hay alguien dispuesto a ayudar incluso en los momentos más difíciles.
August 3, 2013
This is a tough one for me to review because I had a few issues with it and frankly, found it boring. I have not read the memoir this graphic is adapted from so cannot compare. I've had a look at reviews of the original memoir to see what it's all about and it appears to be a book for adults, readable by high school age, and has received good reviews for being from the heart and for the message it brings to this generation of readers. It is however, noted as being "uneventful" and "not exciting".
Unfortunately, the graphic novel seems to have missed the mark. There is no message here and what we get is a rather humdrum cross country survival story of two brothers, mostly, though the family is included at times, that happens to occur during WWII and the family happens to be Jewish, though in name only. It is made evident that the family does not practice their religion, nor do the boys even know what Jewish is. The father admits to not knowing either giving a brief political description of Jews always being run out of their countries from the beginning of time, not ever mentioning the religious issue. The family's means of survival is to deny they are Jewish at any and all circumstances, come what may. The father even gives the boy a brief lesson in this denial by getting angry and slapping him while he still must deny it to him. Not that I'm saying anything against this, it's just that since the boys have been presented as not even knowing what Jewish is, it's hardly a difficult thing to deny in this. More pathos on this very real and troubling decision and choice that many Jews had to actually deal with spiritually would have been appreciated. The boy's adventure is not very exciting, they never are in danger of their lives, though their parents are, and we see them having a good time despite the hardships they endure. Don't get me wrong, this was all interesting but I can't help but think that the author's original story is not expressed here. The translator made many unfortunate choices of words, making the children sound as if they were 21st century boys; probably by not translating the French vernacular appropriately. Anyway, sad to say either the graphic novel lost the integrity of the memoir, or it's just the English translation. On the other hand I give kudos to Vincent Bailey for a beautiful piece of art work presented here which captures both the time period and the mood.
Unfortunately, the graphic novel seems to have missed the mark. There is no message here and what we get is a rather humdrum cross country survival story of two brothers, mostly, though the family is included at times, that happens to occur during WWII and the family happens to be Jewish, though in name only. It is made evident that the family does not practice their religion, nor do the boys even know what Jewish is. The father admits to not knowing either giving a brief political description of Jews always being run out of their countries from the beginning of time, not ever mentioning the religious issue. The family's means of survival is to deny they are Jewish at any and all circumstances, come what may. The father even gives the boy a brief lesson in this denial by getting angry and slapping him while he still must deny it to him. Not that I'm saying anything against this, it's just that since the boys have been presented as not even knowing what Jewish is, it's hardly a difficult thing to deny in this. More pathos on this very real and troubling decision and choice that many Jews had to actually deal with spiritually would have been appreciated. The boy's adventure is not very exciting, they never are in danger of their lives, though their parents are, and we see them having a good time despite the hardships they endure. Don't get me wrong, this was all interesting but I can't help but think that the author's original story is not expressed here. The translator made many unfortunate choices of words, making the children sound as if they were 21st century boys; probably by not translating the French vernacular appropriately. Anyway, sad to say either the graphic novel lost the integrity of the memoir, or it's just the English translation. On the other hand I give kudos to Vincent Bailey for a beautiful piece of art work presented here which captures both the time period and the mood.
March 27, 2019
This graphic novel follows Jo Joffo and his brother, Maurice through Nazi occupied France from 1941-1944.
The story begins where the brothers only concern is losing her favorite shooting marble. Their world quickly changes when Nazi soldiers arrive at his father's barber shop and orate their hatred of Jews. The father knows his children's only hope is to leave Paris, and move to the 'free' or 'safe' region of France. Jo and Maurice use their clever methods as the live on the run for several years.
Take time to examine the graphics of this novel (double tap to zoom in to the frames.) It illustrated the landscapes, fear, exhaustion, and innocence lost. It is important to examine the faces of the characters because the power of this tale is through the illustration and the short but clear dialogue between characters. The illustrations do a wonderful job of avoiding stereotypes, and provide a realistic view of what an everyday Jewish person acted and looked.
This book would be a wonderful option for students while studying WWII. It presents the reality everyday people faced, the struggles of the Jews not in the concentration camps, and the desire for families to survive.
I rated this book 4/5 starts and used the Database for Award Winning Children's Literature.
The story begins where the brothers only concern is losing her favorite shooting marble. Their world quickly changes when Nazi soldiers arrive at his father's barber shop and orate their hatred of Jews. The father knows his children's only hope is to leave Paris, and move to the 'free' or 'safe' region of France. Jo and Maurice use their clever methods as the live on the run for several years.
Take time to examine the graphics of this novel (double tap to zoom in to the frames.) It illustrated the landscapes, fear, exhaustion, and innocence lost. It is important to examine the faces of the characters because the power of this tale is through the illustration and the short but clear dialogue between characters. The illustrations do a wonderful job of avoiding stereotypes, and provide a realistic view of what an everyday Jewish person acted and looked.
This book would be a wonderful option for students while studying WWII. It presents the reality everyday people faced, the struggles of the Jews not in the concentration camps, and the desire for families to survive.
I rated this book 4/5 starts and used the Database for Award Winning Children's Literature.
April 30, 2018
Although I typically enjoy World War II literature, I was fairly unimpressed with this book. I used the DAWCL database in order to find this book. It won the Society of School Librarians Honor in 2010.
The story, although true, seemed to be told hastily without much of a plot line. It was a true story of Jo Joffo's experience during the war, but there didn't seem to be much of interest that actually happened to Joffo- he was held for a time in a jail, got sick, but that was about as bad as it got for him. I was glad to see that the Joffo family was able to be reunited at the end of the war. However, I wasn't terribly connected to the characters, so while I was glad, I wasn't terribly moved that they all survived.
This novel was originally written in French and I am curious if the translation is part of my problem with it. Perhaps a better translation, or reading it in its original French, would help it make more of an impact.
The story, although true, seemed to be told hastily without much of a plot line. It was a true story of Jo Joffo's experience during the war, but there didn't seem to be much of interest that actually happened to Joffo- he was held for a time in a jail, got sick, but that was about as bad as it got for him. I was glad to see that the Joffo family was able to be reunited at the end of the war. However, I wasn't terribly connected to the characters, so while I was glad, I wasn't terribly moved that they all survived.
This novel was originally written in French and I am curious if the translation is part of my problem with it. Perhaps a better translation, or reading it in its original French, would help it make more of an impact.
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