Road To America

Road to America

From BooklistThis graphic novel about ambition, freedom, and prejudice is set in the context of Algeria's war for independence from France in the 1950s. French fight promoters take boxer Said Boudiaf from his Algerian hometown because they see in him a potential European champ. While his brother joins the revolutionary forces, Boudiaf fights his own war for independence. Trying to focus on his boxing career, he finds it difficult to remain neutral when everyone around him has chosen sides. Boxing takes a backseat to Boudiaf's personal struggle, which comes to a head during the 1961 police massacre of Algerian demonstrators in Paris. This first English translation of one of French artist Baru's books must be one of the most attractively produced graphic novels ever, with its subtle, muted colors on heavy paper greatly enhancing Baru's fluid, expressive drawings. The story, however, with its abrupt transitions and confusingly introduced characters, seems rushed. That may limit the book's appeal to serious fans of the medium. Gordon FlaggCopyright