Reviews

Maus: Die Geschichte Eines Überlebenden. I, Mein Vater Kotzt Geschichte Aus. by Art Spiegelman

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guppyur's review against another edition

4.0

This is a re-read for me, inspired by the attempts to ban it in parts of the country, but this is my first time revisiting it since junior high. I'm well-educated on the Holocaust, but even on a re-read, parts of it are shocking. As a book, it's very personal and a bit unfocused, partly because of Spiegelman's approach; it's as much or more about his relationship with his rambling father as it is about the Holocaust, and largely assumes that you already know at least the broad historical outlines. 100% worth a read -- I think highly enough of it to read it again -- but not exactly where you'd want to start as your first history. Except, I guess, that for many it may be more accessible, due to the brief length and the graphic novel format.

Obviously I don't remember my first read in all that much detail; I was surprised that Vladek's story doesn't get to Auschwitz until the end, so there isn't much about it. I think the sequel dealt with it. It would have to, given where the first book ends, I just don't remember. I'll probably re-read that soon as well.

mephistoreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Concise and precise. It takes you in so deep that after a point intuitive flow guides you through the comic strips. The heavy topic that has been dealt with is more than justified through the medium of comics. A masterpiece indeed.