Alan’s War — Emmanuel Guibert (graphic novel)

I ordered this book after reading The Professor's Daughter, which Guibert collaborated on with Joann Sfar. Sfar also co-authored Alan’s War. Originally written in French, it was later translated into English. Throughout reading the stories, I continually found myself admiring Guibert’s drawing skill. 

The graphic novel is the story of Alan Cope, as remembered by Cope and told to Guibert, who originally met him by accident on a beach in France. They struck up a five year friendship that lasted until Cope’s death in 1999. Cope fought in Europe in WWII, and after a brief return to the US, he spent the rest of his life in Europe. Cope didn’t turn 18 until the middle of the war. Near the end of the war, just as he turned 20, he was transferred to Europe. He didn’t see any real battles, but the horrors of the war were still all around him. The first half of the book is mostly about his World War II experiences, with the rest of the book about his life after the war. 

Cope was a gregarious and outgoing person and his exposure to the world broke many of his preconceptions. Most of the stories are about people he met who introduced him to new ways of thinking, new ideas and new things. In the army, in Europe and in the US after the war, he met both good and not so good people. Many of those good people rejected Christianity which eventually so did Cope (who had been studying to become a pastor after the war).

Cope had a rich life. He was married twice, worked in the military, and then after returning to Europe as a civilian, he worked for the US military and various other jobs. He traveled and lived and worked in several countries. He claimed he enjoyed life, yet there is also a sadness that carries through the book, even in the midst of a number of humorous stories.

These are the types of stories that you can imagine hearing from an uncle or grandparent, if they happened to be a good story teller. Some are a bit bawdy. Some are quite personal. But in the end, it is a life evaluated and told. That simplicity and honesty in story telling really works here.

Please see and examine all pictures for details, they are considered part of the description 

 

Items are sold “AS IS” and NO RETURNS unless otherwise listed with conditions 

 

Packaging: Carefully packed to ensure item arrives in the same condition as shown. We used recycled materials when possible to help keep shipping rates as low as possible, we will always try to use suitable boxes for your item, but may have company logos, writings, or markings. 

  

CHECK OUT OUR STORE, Burman's Basement, FOR MANY UNIQUE TREASURES, WE ARE HAPPY TO COMBINE SHIPPING WHEN POSSIBLE