sarahonthecoast's review against another edition
3.0
While a great reference for teens interested in this time period, this rather large graphic novel is not going to interest most readers. However, the reference aids and family tree will certainly aid any reader who picks it up. The black and white drawings range from startling to heartbreaking, but the large cast of characters had me constantly flipping to the front of the book to identify.
chelseamartinez's review against another edition
2.0
I'm pretty sure I read this twice but I can't recall when the first time would have been. The book doesn't give a lot of context, and rather focuses on the protagonist families in Jerusalem 1940-1948; if my historical knowledge was better, I may have gotten more out of it. I could see it being made into an epic film, possibly because I watched the Godfather 1 & 2 this weekend; it has the same overflowing cast of characters that a long movie could take the time to flesh out.
gabieowleyess's review against another edition
2.0
I was very confused throughout my reading of this, which makes me realize that I am very ignorant about this topic. I need to do research in order to understand this story. Hopefully, when I read it a second time, I will enjoy it more.
ashlylynne's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 rating. Why are there no half stars on Goodreads? This is such a problem.
cetaylor05's review against another edition
4.0
Set in the British Mandate of Palestine on the eve of its independence, it would be all too easy to ascribe historical or political meaning to every plot point in the story about an extended family torn apart by jealousy and ideology. While Yakin almost certainly intends for the reader to consider such interpretations, any mapping of this narrative to another is bound to reveal less about the author's opinion than it does about the audience's point of view. Halaby family patriarch Yakov is dedicated to immiserating his younger brother Izak because their father favored his youngest son in his will. As a successful businessman and rabbi, he certainly has the means to do so, and does not hesitate. The ravages of instability and poverty take a heavy toll on Izak’s family, driving its sons to seek empowerment via the two major underground movements of the day: international communism and militant Zionism. The interplay between historical events and family dynamics is at once sophisticated and intimate. While a working knowledge of the era is useful to understanding the forces at play, the powerful story is itself a powerful inducement to learn more about the historical context. CHRISTINA E. TAYLOR
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Jerusalem: A Family Portrait is a powerful graphic novel that recounts the war and division between Israel and Palestine. Yakin brings together a story that grabs emotions and explores a major event in our world history. Going into this book, I did not know a lot about the war that divided these two peoples, and even after reading this I still don't know as much as I can about it. However, I can say that I have a perspective on the war that introduced me to the trauma, horrors, and grief that was faced by all.
At certain points throughout the story, I had a difficult time following whose plotline I was reading, so I do wish there were some more section break pages. Overall, though, I think this book strongly brings an important, tense part of history to the pages of a young adult graphic novel.
At certain points throughout the story, I had a difficult time following whose plotline I was reading, so I do wish there were some more section break pages. Overall, though, I think this book strongly brings an important, tense part of history to the pages of a young adult graphic novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Religious bigotry, Racism, Child death, Gun violence, Xenophobia, Violence, Murder, Blood, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Pregnancy
acinthedc's review against another edition
4.0
A well crafted mufti-generational story set during a period of great turmoil - on the verge of independence from the British during WWII. Yakin does a nice job of focusing on relationships strained by political beliefs and family feuds without getting mired down in who is right or which side has the better answer. This graphic novel serves as a reminder that life is rarely as clear as the black and white images used to tell this story.
lukeisthename34's review against another edition
5.0
Rough. A complicated situation brought down to a macro level that somehow shows even more complications. Deeply moving.