Alan's War by Emmanuel Guibert

Alan’s War is a graphic memoir of the late American G.I. Alan Cope, as told to the artist/writer Emmanuel Guibert. The book begins as a war story: Cope was an eighteen year old in California when he was drafted to serve in the Second World War. He arrived in Eastern Europe just as the war was ending. Cope’s war story doesn’t focus on the glory of battle; he is very aware that his role in the war effort is fairly small. More important to him are his experiences living in Europe, where he meets and develops strong relationships with civilians along with his fellow servicemen. After the war, Cope serves as a chaplain in Europe, and then briefly returns to California. From there, it becomes clear that Cope’s time in the service had set him off on a spiritual and intellectual quest that lasts for the rest of his life.

Guibert beautifully and faithfully illustrates Cope’s deep friendships, rambling travels, and expanding ideas in gorgeous ink-wash. His images are blurred and nostalgic, much like Cope’s memories. Cope’s wonderful storytelling skills are evident in every frame, but what is most remarkable is the intimate friendship that readers can sense between the elderly war veteran and the young artist who brings his story to life. War novels often tell stories of men who are broken by war; Alan's War paints a brighter picture of an ordinary boy who is transformed into a wise and generous man by his experiences. This graphic novel was a joy to read. Guibert is in the process of writing a second book based on his correspondences with Cope: Alan’s Youth, which I am waiting for with great anticipation.

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Recommended by Sara D.