In the last week or so I’ve finished two books, both of which I’m happy to recommend. The first is Neil Gaiman‘s Sandman: The Dream Hunters, which is the first graphic novel I’ve read. I was given this as a birthday gift, and it is exquisite. Yoshitaka Amano‘s illustrations are magical and done with a light, lovely touch. The story is a re-telling of a Japanese fable. While I am not familiar with the original, I believe Gaiman has done an excellent job maintaining the tone that one expects in a fable or fairy tale. This was a real treat.
I went to the bookstore last week, determined to pick up as many other Sandman books as my budget would allow, but I left without any. When I opened them up to look at the illustrations, I realized my naiveté about graphic novels. The one I’d just finished is really more of an illustrated novel; the ones I flipped through, I suppose, take the more "traditional" graphic novel form, which harkens back to comic books. I have to confess that I didn’t like the artwork that much (mind you, I only skimmed), and I was not enchanted by the comic book format. I left the books behind. The woman who gave me Dream Hunters highly recommends this series, and she is one of the best readers I know, one whom I always will trust about books, so in time I’ll look for them in the library or borrow them from her to see if I change my mind upon spending more time with this form.
The second book about which I want to tell you is Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. This well-researched (but never didactic) historical novel deals with the leper colony in Hawaii. The story follows Rachel, who contracts Hansen’s disease at around age six, throughout her life. She is a fantastic character, supported by numerous secondary characters who are well-rounded. Brennert’s descriptive powers are excellent, and I always felt that I was in the hands of a good story teller. At times, the narration, generally a third-person close to the protagonist, dips into other characters in a way that seems like it is not deliberate, but those minor flaws were not enough to turn me off. In fact, I was so compelled by the novel that I even did some simple knitting while I read on the deck; I couldn’t put this one down!
I just took Margaret Atwood’s The Blind Assassin out of the library; I’ll let you know what I think of it when I’m finished!
I might have to pick up Moloka’i. I actually spent a few nights there 20 some years ago, and have been facinated ever since.
I was never a fan of graphic novels until my husband persuaded me to look at the Sandman books. I hope your library has them, they’re definitely worth a closer look. Have you read Gaiman’s other (non graphic novel) books? He’s one of my favorite authors.
Definitely interested to hear what you think of The Blind Assassin. I’ve heard mixed reviews from people and I should probably just put it on my library queue 🙂
Oh I am a huge graphic novel enthusiast! Give Craig Thompson a try next–‘Blankets’ is one of the most touching books I’ve ever read!
Neil Gaiman is always hit or miss with me. I really loved his book American Gods but a hated the Anansi Boys.
Ooooh, I am such a huge Neil Gaiman fan! I have Dream Hunters on my shelf, waiting to be read. I loved the Sandman series, as well. Yes, it does take some getting used to the “comic book” form, though!