I like these graphic novels with a historical basis. It gives me a quick read covering a historical topic in a manner that sticks with me a bit more as it is visual.
This graphic novel, much like Persepolis, covers a topic knew little about going into: Bertrand Russell and his work. While I have heard of Russell,I had no knowledge of his area of expertise, other than him being an intellectual.
This book tells the story of his intellectual development from his youth up through his older age, including his encounters with other logicians and mathematicians. I particularly liked the coverage o his youth, how he spent his time wondering around his grandparents's place. One other scene that was great and took advantage of the graphic novel format was a fist-fight between a group of mathematicians. it went from a discussion in one block to a BIFF! BAM! comic book fight. Amusing and effective in conveying the passion they had in their beliefs.
Although I enjoyed the book overall, I was a bit distracted by how the authors and artists were inserted into the story. I, personally, don't like that device, as I tend to immerse myself in the book, so stepping out breaks my concentration on the story more than, I think, the authors intend. I know they are trying to provide a certain perspective when using such a device, but I find it rarely works for me.
Here, I also felt the device wasn't as effective as intended. Including more context through more tales of Russell would have gone further and kept me engaged in the story. Also, since the story of Russell was told in a flashback, there were already to layers tot eh story. Coming out to the level of the authors added a third, further distancing me from the real point of telling this story: to teach people about logical modes of thought and Russell's work.
7/10
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