Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City: 06/11/16

Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City by Guy Delisle was published when I was first really getting into graphic novels. It was my second year as a CYBILs judge and I remember the debates about whether or not this book should be included. In the end, it wasn't, as it was written for an adult audience, even though it includes Delisle's children and could easily be read by teens.

Time passes and I just didn't get to the book but it's been sitting in the back of my mind. After reading Burma Chronicles and after wanting to pad my Canada book reading list, I decided to finally visit this book.

Guy Delisle is a Canadian comic book author and journalist who travels the world with this wife, a doctor for Doctors without Borders. As the spouse and caregiver for their children, he has a lot of time to explore the cities his wife is assigned to and these books are his reflections on the experience.

Delisle's book has first his attempt to settle in, his often abortive attempts explore the different parts of the city, then his worries as his wife is sent to Gaza, and his quiet relief when they are finally able to leave. As an atheist he remains fairly neutral on all the different cultures staking claim to the city and the surrounds.

You can see my live blogging of the book on Tumblr.

Four stars

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