angelval20's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
howattp's review against another edition
5.0
This is an absolutely stunning graphic novel. It recalls Maus or Swamp Thing or The Arrival (by Shaun Tan) in its art and evocative emotion. Every comics fan (and even those who aren't) should read this.
readingvicariously's review against another edition
3.0
I came across this graphic novel at the library and decided to check it out just based on the cover and the fact that Steve Niles was involved.
I’m a little torn on this one. On one hand it has all the right beats of conflict and emotion, relatable characters, and cool black and white illustrations.
On the other hand, it’s pretty straightforward and simplistic. You read it, it does what you expect, and then it ends. Not a bad experience, but not what the hype online and from pull quotes would have led me to believe.
It’s one of those that people are either going to say is heartbreaking and deep…and others will say it’s kind of boring. You know those kinds of books I’m talking about? Normally I side with the critics, but on this one not so much.
I’m a little torn on this one. On one hand it has all the right beats of conflict and emotion, relatable characters, and cool black and white illustrations.
On the other hand, it’s pretty straightforward and simplistic. You read it, it does what you expect, and then it ends. Not a bad experience, but not what the hype online and from pull quotes would have led me to believe.
It’s one of those that people are either going to say is heartbreaking and deep…and others will say it’s kind of boring. You know those kinds of books I’m talking about? Normally I side with the critics, but on this one not so much.
patsaintsfan's review against another edition
3.0
Quite a simplistic story, but the artwork is beautiful, so I bumped my review up to a 3 star.
jmanchester0's review against another edition
5.0
It amazes me that some black and white art feels so much more real than full color pages. The art here is amazing and lends such a (richness) to the story it's almost like watching a live action film.
And if you read slowly and enjoy the art, you can almost hear the splash of the water and the sizzle as it puts out the fire. The creak of the box as Noah's grandfather opens it and shares its secrets.
It's a great story. Dark yet full of hope. Hope that the better angels of our nature take over and the good within us wins.
And if you read slowly and enjoy the art, you can almost hear the splash of the water and the sizzle as it puts out the fire. The creak of the box as Noah's grandfather opens it and shares its secrets.
It's a great story. Dark yet full of hope. Hope that the better angels of our nature take over and the good within us wins.
thecommonswings's review against another edition
3.0
It’s absolutely... fine. It looks gorgeous but the story does precisely nothing new or unexpected with the golem mythology and feels like a wholly missed opportunity
tklassy's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book more, but it had far too simple a story line to allow me to become invested in the characters and circumstances. It was its simplicity that let it down, for its art was phenomenal and stunning. I wanted to feel more while reading this, but was unable to. It was a lovely, simple story that should have been longer to allow the reader to really create a connection with the characters.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it, the message, the writing and the art were all superb, however for the it just wasn't enough.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it, the message, the writing and the art were all superb, however for the it just wasn't enough.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Crossposted at Booklikes
“And sometimes good sits right there in our hands, waiting to be molded”
The use of graphic novels to tell stories serious stories does have a long tradition. Today, however, most readers tend to think of the idea as starting with Maus, a groundbreaking graphic novel about a family’s experience both during and after the Holocaust. Breath of Bones follows in this tradition though the point is different.
Breath of Bones might not attract some readers because of the lack of color, but the like Spielberg’s Schinlder’s List, the lack of color lends poignancy to the story. It fits the story. The use of color would cheapen the story.
Unlike many stories where the length of the Second World War is compressed, the length of the war for Europe is brought to the front of the story here. The story opens with a soldier, Noah, who finds himself in dire situation, somewhat similar to one that he faced near the start of the war when he was a boy. His small village saved a British pilot and the Germans come a calling.
And all students of history, even the most hap hazard know what means.
On the surface, the story is about Noah and his struggle to not only understand the war that affects and effects his life in tragic ways, but it is also about the struggle, small as an act can be, to resist. It is Noah’s grandfather who takes the lead and who create Golem portrayed on the cover. A figure of service and protection, the Golem is perhaps the most well known figure in Jewish folklore, though the creature doesn’t seem to attract the attention and favor of vampires and werewolves. This is somewhat disappointing because in one of the more basic aspects a golem is about love for family and for friends.
And that is the purpose of this golem, to protect those little people who so often in war need protection but do not get it. Mostly, if we continue with the ideas expressed in this graphic novel, it seems this lack of protection is because of a lack of knowledge or desire to mold good.
The story in this graphic novel is simple and yet, like the golem, therein lays the power of it.
“And sometimes good sits right there in our hands, waiting to be molded”
The use of graphic novels to tell stories serious stories does have a long tradition. Today, however, most readers tend to think of the idea as starting with Maus, a groundbreaking graphic novel about a family’s experience both during and after the Holocaust. Breath of Bones follows in this tradition though the point is different.
Breath of Bones might not attract some readers because of the lack of color, but the like Spielberg’s Schinlder’s List, the lack of color lends poignancy to the story. It fits the story. The use of color would cheapen the story.
Unlike many stories where the length of the Second World War is compressed, the length of the war for Europe is brought to the front of the story here. The story opens with a soldier, Noah, who finds himself in dire situation, somewhat similar to one that he faced near the start of the war when he was a boy. His small village saved a British pilot and the Germans come a calling.
And all students of history, even the most hap hazard know what means.
On the surface, the story is about Noah and his struggle to not only understand the war that affects and effects his life in tragic ways, but it is also about the struggle, small as an act can be, to resist. It is Noah’s grandfather who takes the lead and who create Golem portrayed on the cover. A figure of service and protection, the Golem is perhaps the most well known figure in Jewish folklore, though the creature doesn’t seem to attract the attention and favor of vampires and werewolves. This is somewhat disappointing because in one of the more basic aspects a golem is about love for family and for friends.
And that is the purpose of this golem, to protect those little people who so often in war need protection but do not get it. Mostly, if we continue with the ideas expressed in this graphic novel, it seems this lack of protection is because of a lack of knowledge or desire to mold good.
The story in this graphic novel is simple and yet, like the golem, therein lays the power of it.
pussreboots's review against another edition
4.0
http://www.pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2014/comments_12/breath_of_bones.html
nharkins's review against another edition
2.0
Much like Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds", this is a fantasy of jews fighting back in WWII, but where the other has phenomenal acting, this has very little substance at all. There's a bit of supernatural, clearly alluding to the legend of The Golem of Prague, but without referencing the actual legend at all. Huge opportunity lost. If the overall theme interests you, read [b:The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|3985|The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|Michael Chabon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503806495s/3985.jpg|2693329] instead.