Maus: A Survival's Tale

Art Spiegelman

Pantheon Books, New York, 1973

Genres: Historical Fiction, Holocaust, World War 2, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 159

Awards: 1992 Pulitzer Prize

Summary:

This is the story of Vladek Spiegelman, who is a Jew living in Poland during WWII. It is written about his experiences of living under German rule and the many sufferings that Jews went through. To make the story more interesting, the Jews are portrayed as mice, the Germans as cats, and the Polish as pigs.

Reaction:

I didn't like this book at all until the second half, when I wasn't able to put it down. The main character Vladek isn't lovable, and he doesn't really inspire the reader with his attitude, but the story is gripping. I must confess that I've never really enjoyed graphic novels, so this book was difficult for me to finish. I would say that it's an easier way for teens to get into the mentality of the Holocaust.

Cautionary Note: There is strong language towards the latter half of the book. There is reference to adultery, harassment, sexuality. There is also two pictures that have nudity in them. This book is better for ages 14 and up.