BOOK REVIEW AMAZON Author: Canizales From the reader report by: Megumi Matsueda This graphic novel raises awareness about the tough conditions faced by indigenous communities living in the Amazonas region. It does so in an extremely effective manner through monotone graphic art and the narration of the protagonist, an indigenous woman named Andrea. The story takes place mainly over a few hours, but events leading up to the story are described clearly at the start of the novel. The tale does not just depict the miserable conditions of indigenous people driven off their land, though. It also features more familiar things, like a scene with an IKEA catalogue, with the author naturally investing us in Andrea’s story. As we read, learn more about this tale of a woman bravely facing her difficulties, but when Andrea returns to her homeland, her surprising mission becomes clear. We watch this strong woman fighting guilefully for her family, her community, and for the things stolen from her. When she recollects what happened at night, the scenes resemble woodblock prints with their stylized lines on a black ground. The tension that rises up from the darkness is depicted powerfully and effectively. On the other hand, her childhood reminiscences are drawn in sepia tones. This imbues scenes of parental love and the cruelty of young friendships with a melancholic air. Amazonas lies in an expansive belt of tropical rainforest in South America. Every year, this environment is degraded more and more through the greed of people who don’t care about its importance for the world. This work shines a light on the people living in Amazonas. We feel what they feel and we are forced to think about things like climate change, immigration, gender, inequality and the killing of women. This story is even more impactful given that Colombia was the birthplace of the SDGs movement.
PUBLISHED IN NEW SPANISH BOOKS JP
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