Skip to main content

Jerusalem: A Family Portrait


Summary: The story of the Halaby family is a remarkable, yet sad one. What is mostly told is the relationship between the family's two brother: Yakov and Isak. From the early days of their childhood, the two brothers have had an estranged relationship and despite the horror, the violence, the frustration, and abuse that surrounds them and their immediate families, the two men obstinately stick to their clashing opinions. The two men are trying their best to raise their families during the 1940s in Jerusalem. This is a time when the conflict between Arabs and Jews was intense and bloody. Members of the families are drawn to the conflict and want to help what they believe to be just causes. However, the two youngest boys on both sides of the family are friends and despite their fathers' quarrel they promise to be friends forever. As the two grow up, Jonathan and Motti discover that that promise becomes difficult to maintain.

Reference: Yakin, Boaz; Nick Bertozzi (2013). Jerusalem: A Family Portrait. New York, NY. :01First Second. 

Impressions: Admittedly, I am not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to the history of Jerusalem, but that didn't stop me from wanting to read this book. The first pages of the book gives the reader a brief history of Jerusalem and summarizes the reasoning for the Arab-Jewish conflict. Again not knowing of the history, I was grateful for the background summary, which helped me to understand what was happening during this time period. I found the story to be fascinating and had a difficult time putting the book down. I started reading the book when I was substituting some classes, so I read the story in increments. Needless to say, I couldn't wait for my next subbing assignment, so that I could finish the book. Yakin's storytelling doesn't get bogged down in explanation, but rather allows the images, facial expressions, and panels to do what they are intended to do: telling the story.  Bertozzi's illustrations were also complimentary to the story because the black and white imagery gave the story a historical feel, as well as a dire feeling to the atmosphere. The drawings kept the mood somber, which was more than likely a good representation of the emotions I'm sure most people of this time period experienced. From time to time, I did get a bit confused with the cast of characters, but a quick re-read fixed that up quickly. All in all, I really enjoyed this graphic novel, which has given me a better understanding of the Arab-Jewish conflict, as well as the people involved. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Module 2: Corduroy

Summary:   Corduroy is a department store teddy bear who searches for a button that he can use on his overalls.  He searches for the button because he thinks that the button will make him complete and attractive to buy.  Earlier a young girl wanted to buy him, but her mother said that they hadn't any more money and besides the bear was missing a button.  Unfortunately, Corduroy is prevented from obtaining a button and finds himself placed back on the toy shelf by the store's overnight security guard.  The next day, Corduroy is excited to see that the girl came back and used her own money to buy Corduroy and was also able to give Corduroy a new button. Reference: Freeman, D. (1976) Corduroy . New York, NY. Puffin Books. Impression: Corduroy is a children's book that touches the heart.  The way Corduroy is drawn by Don Freeman's, with simple yet endearing qualities, helps the reader to remember their own personal teddy bears or favorite stuffed ani...
Post a Comment
Read more
Summary: We are thrust back in time to the late 1960's in Houston, Texas, where racism still has a strong hold on many of its citizens. Our two main characters have an inter-racial friendship, a friendship that many on both sides of the community do not approve of. Jack is one of the local TV station's news reporters, while Larry is a college instructor, as well as an equal-rights activists. In the beginning the characters are acquaintances, but they soon realize the importance of developing a friendship between each other. Jack sees Larry as someone who can help him do his work as a reporter covering the racial issues of the city, and Larry sees Jack as someone who can bring media attention to their cause. Besides those reasons, both Jack and Larry see their friendship as an example of racial harmony, of co-existence between the races. They both are equal rights advocates, so their friendship would help further their cause. Unfortunately, the occurrences at one of the stag...
Post a Comment
Read more

Module 3: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

  Summary: Have you ever heard of the events on 9/11?  Were you aware that there was once twin buildings that were the tallest in the world in New York City?  Before the events that occurred on 9/11, these twin towers were recognized and celebrated for various reasons.  One such occasion was when a man walked on a tightrope across the two buildings.  Philippe Petit was a New York street performer who enjoyed his craft and who enjoyed challenges.  When he saw the twin towers, he saw his biggest challenge.  He imagined a rope running from one building to the other and with him walking on it.  Philippe created a plan on how he would do it, the type of cable he would need, the time it would take, and the help he would need.  With precise details, he and his comrades ascended the twin towers and connected the strong cable.  This took many hours to prepare and when it was complete, Philippe was then able to walk across the wire and into h...
Post a Comment
Read more