Book Review: "The Complete Maus"

I have had an aversion to graphic novels ever since I first became aware of them about ten years ago. To my way of thinking, graphic novels steal from the beauty of true literature and cannot possibly grant the same enjoyment to their viewers (For those who consume graphic novels can’t possibly be called “readers”, right?) that a traditional book does to its readers.
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Before you think me a snob, let me assure you that my views have changed some, since reading Art Spiegelman’s masterful graphic novel Maus. Actually, you can find a few editions of the work, but I read The Complete Maus.

The book--and it is a book, I assure you--is the story of Art Spiegelman’s father Vladek Spiegelman and his story of early adulthood in pre-war Poland and later survival in Nazi-occupied Europe. The story is told in a unique way, due not only to its format as a graphic novel, but also because of the way Spiegelman chooses to portray his characters. The Jews are mice, the Poles are pigs, the Germans are cats, the French are frogs, and the Americans are the dogs, who save the day.

Spiegelman’s illustrations drive home the inter-cultural complexities of life in Europe during the occupation. At times, Vladek and other Jews in the story disguise themselves as pigs, in an attempt to blend in with their Polish neighbors. And the reader is occasionally surprised to find a pig that is willing to help its mice neighbors, or a cat that can be paid off to turn a blind eye to the activities of the mice in the concentration camps. Such vivid imagery brings the account to life in a meaningful way.

While Vladek’s true story is incredibly sad and compelling, as most accounts of Holocaust survival are, the author’s recounting of the circumstances of how his father told him his survival story is charming. The story is recounted by Vladek to his son in the midst of various everyday activities, such as riding his exercise bike to strengthen his weakened heart, driving to the bank or grocery store, and pestering his busy son to put in the storm windows to save money on the heating bill.

Additionally, the graphic novel, at least this one, accomplishes what few traditional pieces of literature can do. It allows the reader to effortlessly see the transition between the past and present, as Vladek’s flashbacks are frequent and powerful, though often interrupted by his kvetching about the price of groceries or his wife’ demands.

Note: don’t let the pictures fool you--a graphic novel does not equate to a children’s book. The themes present in any telling of a Holocaust story should be handled carefully by parents, and Maus is no exception. The story is graphic, even without the images, and is made even more powerful by the illustrations. Additionally, there is occasional foul language that many, including myself, may find disturbing; but their presence is not overpowering, no matter how little they contribute to the story.

I know I have enjoyed a book when I am sad that I have reached the last page, and this was one such book. The story, the way Spiegelman tells it, and the medium he uses to convey the account come together beautifully to form a memorable read. I give this book 4 stars out of 5, and recommend it to most teens and adults, with the reservations I mention taken into consideration.

Happy reading!

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