Bessora

This graphic novel of a refugee’s desperate journey to free himself from the corrupt and hopeless existence of his hometown is not based on a true story and surprisingly this makes for a stronger work. I think this is because we don’t need to question the extremity and validity of what he experiences in his escape. As fiction we can instead imagine and know such hardships exist; we are not drawn into a ‘did this really happen?’ ‘is he exaggerating events for effect’ discussion, which might dilute the compassion felt for these people whose lives are such a bleak struggle. Instead, our focus is on what it should be on: namely that somewhere out there, people like Alpha who want to provide for their families find it impossible to do so in their native country and face difficult choices between oppressed status quo’s or perilous quests to the Western world - complete with encounters of extortion, fear, abuse, disease, humiliation, captivity; slim chances of success and often fatal results in failure. Refugees give everything for such a small reward and it is poignantly captured in this short and stylishly illustrated graphic novel.… (more)

ALPHA: Abidjan to Paris by Bessora is a heart-wrenching graphic novel tracing a migrant’s experience from Africa to Europe.

The stark, simple illustrations and informal typography reflect the painful plight of a West African refugee struggling to reach Paris. In hopes of connecting with his wife and child, this poor cabinetmaker sells everything and navigates the underworld of fake passports, refugee camps, and smugglers in hopes of a better life. The author’s first-person perspective places readers at the center of this troubling, yet realistic story.

Librarians will find young adults drawn to this powerful graphic novel. Use the book as an opportunity to talk with youth about the work of Amnesty International. Connect readers to works of nonfiction and websites focusing on the challenges of the migrant crisis.

Published by Bellevue Literary Press. ARC courtesy of the publisher and LibraryThing Early Reviewers.… (more)