A review by wrentheblurry
The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos

3.0

Note that while I put this title in my Historical and Realistic Fiction shelves, I recognize that it's based on an experience the author's father had in the late 60s.

I wasn't previously aware of this story from the Civil Rights Movement. A white TV reporter (Jack) meets and forms something of a friendship with a black activist (Larry). Jack videotapes some of a peaceful protest organized by Larry that goes horribly wrong. Racism hurts my heart so much, especially since it's still around decades after the events depicted in this graphic novel.

The artwork is all black and white, and realistically depicts the characters and backgrounds. It isn't really my style, though it is good.

The storyline is a bit confusing in places, or maybe it's just a lack of flow, for sometimes I had difficulty telling what was going on. By the end I was either used to it, or all caught up, for that ceased being a problem.

I would recommend this to teens that are both interested in the Civil Rights Movement and enjoy the graphic novel format. It was good, but not great.