Summary & Evaluation: In war-torn Bosnia, Giuliano and his two friends, Christian and Stefano (also called "Little Killer" by his friends) make their way from petty theft, to collecting on debts for a local tough man, to joining a militia. Giuliano doesn't make it as far as his friends, however, as he hangs back while they do all the strong-arming (and, eventually, killing) and ends up deserting the militia shortly after they join. This doesn't come as a big surprise to the reader, however, as Giuliano's privileged background--namely, having parents who have some money--drives the friends apart as time passes.
This graphic novel is published by First Second, the same publishing house that released the acclaimed American Born Chinese and a graphic novel I previously reviewed, Robot Dreams. A relatively new publishing group, First Second is making its presence felt in the realm of graphic novel publishing--something that is certainly felt in this masterfully told Lord of the Flies-type story. Gipi not only examines the effects of war on the impressionable adolescent male mind, but also how the bonds of friendship can easily unravel in the midst of lawlessness.
Booktalk Hook: I'd have to admit that I can't imagine this book being a hard sell--c'mon, you'd just have to mention it was a graphic novel about teenagers participating in the seedy underbelly of war-torn Bosnia, and I think you'd have some takers. But, if I had a selection of other First Second graphic novels, I'd booktalk this one alongside the others, to give the YA pop. an idea of what their offerings are.
No comments:
Post a Comment