Delisle, Guy

A carefully observed portrait of a time and place, as well as a deeply personal coming-of-age tale. Not to be missed.

Delisle's previous books have gained him a loyal following among fans of highbrow cartooning, but this may be the masterpiece that elevates his name to the ranks of legends such as Art Spiegelman and Lynda Barry.

This is a great graphic novel, especially for parents. The unnamed father (presumably Delisle) responds with sayings that probably go through many parents' heads but are never said, creating awkward moments of hilarity. Keep in mind that there is graphic language. Recommended for those who enjoy comics focusing on family dynamics such as Foxtrot, Calvin & Hobbes, and Zits.

An odd combination of chummy and chilling, Delisle's Angoulême award-winning chronicle of family life in uneasy circumstances brings a new perspective to a distinguished roster of Levant-based graphic novels, e.g., by Joe Sacco, Rutu Modan, and Sarah Glidden. Recommended for adults interested in the geographical or religious issues involved and fine for most teens.