Scan barcode
A review by roenfoe
Deogratias, a Tale of Rwanda by Alexis Siegel, Jean-Philippe Stassen
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
*Read for university*
This was a deeply upsetting read, as all works concerning genocide should be. It addresses the Rwandan genocide be examining the experience of Rwandans, missionaries, and foreign military personnel. The story flips back and forth between the time before and after the genocide, particularly following the titular character Deogratias. The prevailing emotion of the time before the genocide is thinly veiled ethnic tension and violence, while after the genocide the region is colored by madness and a deep sense of loss.
This was a good graphic novel, but I feel like we only scratched the surface of the multitude of characters. Many are alluded to having had intense/fascinating/difficult life experiences, and yet they are only touched upon in one line of dialogue or for a single plot point. So much more could have been done with this story, and expanding upon these characters would have improved my experience with the work as a whole.
This was a deeply upsetting read, as all works concerning genocide should be. It addresses the Rwandan genocide be examining the experience of Rwandans, missionaries, and foreign military personnel. The story flips back and forth between the time before and after the genocide, particularly following the titular character Deogratias. The prevailing emotion of the time before the genocide is thinly veiled ethnic tension and violence, while after the genocide the region is colored by madness and a deep sense of loss.
This was a good graphic novel, but I feel like we only scratched the surface of the multitude of characters. Many are alluded to having had intense/fascinating/difficult life experiences, and yet they are only touched upon in one line of dialogue or for a single plot point. So much more could have been done with this story, and expanding upon these characters would have improved my experience with the work as a whole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Genocide, Sexism, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Rape