GRAPHIC NOVELS

Nelson Mandela: The Unconquerable Soul

by Lewis Helfand
Sankha Banerjee (illus.). Campfire. 2014. 115p. ISBN 9789380741161. pap. $12.99. BIOG
COPY ISBN
Helfand is the author of several graphic biographies (The Wright Brothers) and adaptations of literary classics (H.G. Well's The Time Machine). His latest work is a biography of Nelson Mandela (1918–2013), with emphasis on the years leading up to Mandela's unjust 27-year imprisonment. The narrative provides a well-written, uncomplicated portrait of Mandela's heroic struggle using language suitable for upper high schoolers. The illustrations are almost all dark ink washes, giving the book a somber, realistic tone rather than a comic book feel. To accentuate Mandela's presidential victory and the recap of his achievements, the final six pages use color washes. Four pages of additional information (a glossary and facts about South Africa) are included at the end of the book.
VERDICT This graphic biography does an excellent job of showing both Mandela's development as a political figure and the injustices of the apartheid-era. Lovers of YA graphic nonfiction will enjoy; the story of struggle might even attract some readers of fictional graphic novels. The topic also makes it a strong choice for adult English-language learners, with the illustrations aiding comprehension when the vocabulary is too advanced.
Reviewed by Katherine van der Linden, Metcalfe, Ont. , Apr 25, 2014
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