White Bird by R. J. Palacio

 

Author : R. J. Palacio

Title : White Bird

Published : 2019

Publisher : Penguin 

Pages : 224

Genre : Graphic Novel / Historical Fiction 

     

     In R. J. Palacio's collection of stories Auggie & Me, which expands on characters in Wonder, readers were introduced to Julian's grandmother, Grandmère. This is Grandmère's story as a young Jewish girl hidden away by a family in Nazi-occupied France during World War II told in graphic novel form. 

     I believe that the author's first book Wonder touched a great many people's hearts. The tale Of a young boy searching for his place in the world. Something I think most of us can connect with. But I guess I hadn't been paying too much attention to this author after that. I'm not entirely sure why, I guess to many other books in my to be read pile waiting their turn. So when a friend suggested that I give White Bird a read I figured it was time to jump back into this author's work. 

     Whilst Wonder takes place in modern time when it comes to White Bird Palacio has chosen to tackle something from our past although no less relevant. She has a way of bringing to life children who are disenfranchised for one reason or another. For August it was the way he looked which made others turn away from him whereas here it is Sara's religion that brought her need for survival into question. For many, this is a difficult topic to tackle and has been done a great many times before to varying degrees of success. 

     It is also worth noting that where most stories about the holocaust take place in occupied Poland with this book the author chose to take off those who were hunted down in France. For me, it allowed for a different string to be played on the same fiddle. Whilst certain elements are as to be expected there was a new melody that was allowed to be played here. At its heart is a warm tale of friendship and what others do for no other reason than doing what they believe is right. It is a question that I suppose we ask of ourselves a great deal when reading about such subjects. What would I have done at the time, would I have in fact had the courage to do such things at the risk of my own life. Whilst I hope I would, I also wish the day never comes when I would have to make such a decision. 

     Graphic novels are something I use to read a great deal in my teenage years. But recently have become so very sparse that years can go by without me picking one up. In the case of White Bird, I'm glad I made the exception, This book reminds me that whilst plenty of graphic novels are devoted to superhero there are still books such as this out there with the power to move me a great deal.  This author's time and again shows me that we can learn so much about kindness from the actions of others. It is when we commit acts without thought for ourselves but in devotion to helping others that we find I believe some of the reasons for our existence. 

     This is a book that takes on a tricky subject and whilst at times it is hard to bear witness to the struggles these people go through. We as the reader are ultimately rewarding with compassion and a sense of well-being that there are people out there who strive every day to make the world a better place. That, in our darkest hours some people shine out like lighthouses guiding others to safe passage despite the great peril to themselves.