Another graphic novel, but reading this was a rewarding and harrowing experience. This time it’s the Russian and Ukrainian Notebooks by Igort. It always surprises me and unsettles me that there are people who are really fighting for what they believe in while read from the safety of my room. Through his book, Igort follows the life of Anna Politkovskaya whose work against Kremlin got her poisoned and eventually assassinated. Igort draws and writes about the systematic and planned attempt of the Russians to wipe out the Ukrainian kulaks by means of a famine. Furthermore, he sheds light on the Russian invasion of Chechnya. While I read the novel, almost all of the time I found myself thinking, my god I didn’t know this at all. Of course, there was news on the Russian annexation of Crimea, but one would hardly get to the depths of the situation by reading a news article. This book, in my opinion, through testimonies tries to get information out. In this age of fake news, I believe that is the single most important responsibility that the media should bear: dispersing correct information. Reading about Ukraine and Chechnya feels like a punch to your gut; this book is not your light afternoon reading. It’s draining. Igort’s sombre palette goes with the material that he has to deal with.This book is, for me, one that merits enormous respect. I honestly don’t what can I do after reading it or if I should be doing something. These books they make me lurch; there is this lump that have settled in my stomach. Do read this if you can, but consider yourself warned of the subject matter.
