Alan’s War, by Emmanuel Guibert
Alan’s War: The Memories of G.I. Alan Cope
by Emmanuel Guibert
Translated from the French by Kathryn Pulver
First Second, 2008. 336 pages.
I do not like to use the word genius because of its ability to divide some people from the rest of us. But I can think of no better description for the French author Emmanuel Guibert.
Guibert strives to invent a new artistic style for each work that he illustrates. He has drawn goofy, almost grotesque children’s characters for Sardine in Space and photorealistic landscapes of rural Afghanistan in The Photographer. But while his artistic explorations reveal a constant desire to challenge himself, his brand of genius does not emerge from self-absorption. Rather, it is Guibert’s abounding generosity that sets his work apart. He doesn’t just write well — he listens with the patience of Vasudeva.
Alan’s War: The Memories of G.I. Alan Cope embodies Guibert’s skills perfectly. He pioneered a new water color technique that transforms each panel into a vibrant, sensuous image. And he turns the story of an ordinary American soldier into an extraordinary tale because of his own patience for detail. It is no surprise that Alan’s War took eight years for Guibert to produce. Released in three volumes in France, we are fortunate to enjoy the collection in a single American work.
Wow – an amazing book. I read it and re-read it several times. Guibert is fantastic. Don’t know about his children’s stories but i’ll check them out. One thing you made a mistake. Guibert and Alan met on the beach. Thanks though!