First published 1986

296 pages

Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, Biography

Many Holocaust biographies focus on the deeply tragic experience of the Holocaust itself. But this narrative incorporates all the aftereffects of that tragedy, how it affects relationships for generations. This is a story within a story, the author accounting his relationship with his father while also learning about his father's experience of the Holocaust. It depicts the Jewish people as mice and the Nazi's as cats, drawing a distinct line between the groups. Using a graphic novel as the medium is disarming; the reader doesn't expect serious or disturbing narratives from a graphic novel. Especially not one with mice and cats. But Art Spiegelman creates space for both the gravity and severity of this narrative within this medium and does so in a masterful way. This novel belongs in libraries, on bookshelves, and within school curriculum everywhere. It is invaluable and a work of art.