Summary
I was most surprised when we were given a graphic novel to read in my Honors English Class. It seemed odd that, while all my friends were studying the classics like Shakespeare (from whom I am descended if he was the Earl of Oxford as many believe), I was merely given a picture book. Surprisingly, the book turned out to be a brilliant illustrated book that explained the Holocaust and described the extraordinary journey the author experienced. The graphic novel panels and illustrations showed the story from an interesting perspective. It kept the reader entertained and was smoothly integrated into the text.
Best parts
There were many things I enjoyed about the book Maus. The first thing was that the illustrations of the book were very well drawn by the author. It is a massive challenge to successfully create this type of novel using pictures. I also enjoyed the little hidden symbols and messages the author cleverly inserted into the book. For example, on page 98, on the bottom panel, one can see a prisoner’s tattoo that is a preview to the story. Also, at the beginning of the book on page 15, a bike is displayed which another relevant symbol. It shows Vladek running away from his problems, yet not being able to move, since it’s a stationary bike. No matter how fast he pedals, he can’t escape, which I found an interesting idea that the author included. Spiegelman, the author, put symbols and literary elements such as metaphors throughout the book, which helped me to understand everything.
Worst parts
Surprisingly, the author did not make too many mistakes when writing this book. However, I believe I found a couple of things the author could’ve have done better to make this book more enjoyable. First of all, Spiegelman would jump around in time and skip whole months at a time in the story. I understand he had to do this in order to make the book, but he could have done it better. Next, he used very abrupt transitions from present to past, and from scene to scene. It could have been smoother, and easier to understand, which would have allowed the flow of the novel to improve.
Panels with the most impact
The concept of a graphic novel in this situation was a perfect choice. It allowed the reader to understand each situation from a new angle. It makes the story more realistic, and the reader gets a better feel for the journey Vladek experienced. I learned extensive information about the Holocaust that has helped me understand how fortunate I am to have access to food and basic necessities and never take them for granted.
Overall impressions
Overall Maus was an excellent book that I am glad to have read. It allows you to glimpse into the past and learn some of the astonishing stories that occurred during the Holocaust. It allowed me to see what life was like for some of the Jews living in the Holocaust, and what they did to survive during this horrible time. I will always remember the slogan that was above the Auschwitz gate, ‘Arbeit Macht Frei,’ which means working makes you free and it is bitter sweet that, after all the terrible work Vladek went through, he finally achieved his freedom.
Image Source: HERE
Spiegelman, Art. Maus: A Survivor's Tale. New York: Pantheon, 1986. Print.
I was most surprised when we were given a graphic novel to read in my Honors English Class. It seemed odd that, while all my friends were studying the classics like Shakespeare (from whom I am descended if he was the Earl of Oxford as many believe), I was merely given a picture book. Surprisingly, the book turned out to be a brilliant illustrated book that explained the Holocaust and described the extraordinary journey the author experienced. The graphic novel panels and illustrations showed the story from an interesting perspective. It kept the reader entertained and was smoothly integrated into the text.
Best parts
There were many things I enjoyed about the book Maus. The first thing was that the illustrations of the book were very well drawn by the author. It is a massive challenge to successfully create this type of novel using pictures. I also enjoyed the little hidden symbols and messages the author cleverly inserted into the book. For example, on page 98, on the bottom panel, one can see a prisoner’s tattoo that is a preview to the story. Also, at the beginning of the book on page 15, a bike is displayed which another relevant symbol. It shows Vladek running away from his problems, yet not being able to move, since it’s a stationary bike. No matter how fast he pedals, he can’t escape, which I found an interesting idea that the author included. Spiegelman, the author, put symbols and literary elements such as metaphors throughout the book, which helped me to understand everything.
Worst parts
Surprisingly, the author did not make too many mistakes when writing this book. However, I believe I found a couple of things the author could’ve have done better to make this book more enjoyable. First of all, Spiegelman would jump around in time and skip whole months at a time in the story. I understand he had to do this in order to make the book, but he could have done it better. Next, he used very abrupt transitions from present to past, and from scene to scene. It could have been smoother, and easier to understand, which would have allowed the flow of the novel to improve.
Panels with the most impact
The concept of a graphic novel in this situation was a perfect choice. It allowed the reader to understand each situation from a new angle. It makes the story more realistic, and the reader gets a better feel for the journey Vladek experienced. I learned extensive information about the Holocaust that has helped me understand how fortunate I am to have access to food and basic necessities and never take them for granted.
Overall impressions
Overall Maus was an excellent book that I am glad to have read. It allows you to glimpse into the past and learn some of the astonishing stories that occurred during the Holocaust. It allowed me to see what life was like for some of the Jews living in the Holocaust, and what they did to survive during this horrible time. I will always remember the slogan that was above the Auschwitz gate, ‘Arbeit Macht Frei,’ which means working makes you free and it is bitter sweet that, after all the terrible work Vladek went through, he finally achieved his freedom.
Image Source: HERE
Spiegelman, Art. Maus: A Survivor's Tale. New York: Pantheon, 1986. Print.