This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
Is This An Overview?
This is a graphic novel about a changing Berlin. How the city changes the people, and how the people change the city. A decade after World War One, the people are struggling, but managing to get by. Different social groups are claiming to want to help the people, and do help those that support them. But each group is attached to political power, that persecutes those who support other groups. Using violent means, that escalates violence. Sometimes purposefully instigating violence, to show how effectively a group can create order to use as propaganda. People join the groups because of their claims, to better their lives, but often do not know the hidden political agendas that threaten them. There are also those who want to maintain neutrality, those who seek to understand what is happening and seek to expose corruption. They are often silenced. As persecution escalates, people leave the city. Families are broken up.
The story is told from diverse perspectives, and how the
diverse characters interact.
Representative of Berlin’s diverse culture and vibrant communities. Showing the gradual changes that turned a
diverse and tolerant city into a city of repression. Showing how decent people can be turned, and
join groups that are against their own interests. A story containing philosophy, politics, and
various ways to treat others. Showing
the hidden and public ways how people respond differently to social situations.
Caveats?
As a graphic novel, the images can sometimes be confusing,
and some writing hard to decipher. There
are also images inappropriate for younger audiences.
