By Danila Botha
Publisher: At Bay Press
Print Length: 120 Pages
Genre: Biography / Holocaust Fiction
Part Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, and Art Spiegelman's Maus, Danila Botha's powerful debut graphic novel, follows young Vidal who grows up in Tiberias (Ottoman Empire and then British Mandate Palestine) and moves to Paris to pursue his art and freedom and gets trapped there during World War II. Botha traces the steps of Vidal's life through Chagallian vignettes, from his Sephardic upbringing in Tiberias to studies in the Technion in Haifa, his artistic life in Paris, his work with the underground resistance, and his ultimate arrest and time in Auschwitz. Poignantly capturing the Sephardic Jewish experience, and Like Vidal and his family, the author's family were fifth generation Moroccan Jews who grew up speaking both Hebrew and Arabic and coexisting with their neighbours and friends. A rich artistic and cultural experience, Vidal brings to light the untold stories of family, hope, freedom, and what their pursuit can cost. Vidal reminds us all that it’s possible for things to be different.
Spanning Vidal Ben Soussan's life from his childhood in Tiberias to his experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz, Vidal by Danila Botha is an ambitious venture that successfully creates a novel depicting the culturally diverse experiences of multiple societies during one of history's most turbulent periods. Through Vidal, readers are introduced to life in early twentieth-century Tiberias before following his journey to Paris, where he settles and begins a new life before the Nazi occupation changes everything.
This novel carries a wonderfully nostalgic tone throughout. Reading it often feels like sitting beside a grandparent, listening as they share memories of their childhood and the events that shaped their life. The depictions of Vidal's early years, growing up alongside his twin brother and his younger sister, Mazal, with whom he shares a particularly close bond, are full of warmth and vibrancy. The descriptions of aromatic food, bustling markets, and family life are beautifully complemented by the colourful artwork. During these opening chapters, the illustrations are especially striking, with rich colours bringing the food, clothing, and landscapes vividly to life. It is a joyful period in Vidal's life, and that happiness translates wonderfully to the reader.
As the story progresses, Vidal's move to Paris introduces a new chapter filled with excitement and possibility. Ever since childhood, he and Mazal had dreamed of experiencing Paris, and finally reaching the city brings with it a genuine sense of achievement. Coming from a large and loving family, Vidal soon embraces his new life, finding love and settling into married life. Even as Paris falls under Nazi occupation, life initially appears to continue with a fragile sense of normality. This innocence is perhaps best reflected through Vidal's young daughter. The yellow star, intended as a badge of persecution, becomes to her a symbol of belonging, as she proudly wishes to wear one like her parents. It is a bittersweet moment that perfectly captures the innocence of childhood, while reminding readers of the terrible reality that lies just beyond her understanding.
Vidal's involvement with the Jewish Resistance proved one of my favourite aspects of the novel. It adds another fascinating dimension to his story while demonstrating his quiet courage. Although aware of the growing dangers surrounding him, Vidal remains determined to help others, risking his own safety to forge documents and support those facing persecution. His greatest concern, however, is always his family. His determination to protect his daughters, even when he knows the risks involved, highlights the strength of his character and his willingness to sacrifice everything for those he loves.
The novel undergoes a dramatic shift when Vidal arrives at Auschwitz, both in its writing and in its artwork. The vibrant colours of earlier chapters give way to darker blues, greys, and reds, creating an immediate sense of fear and uncertainty. The introduction of Josef Mengele brings with it an overwhelming feeling of dread, particularly for readers already familiar with the atrocities committed in Auschwitz. Rather than dwelling on graphic descriptions, the novel allows the horror to emerge through implication, making many scenes all the more unsettling. Vidal's own identity as a twin adds another chilling dimension as the experiments carried out on twins become part of his daily existence, creating a haunting connection between the innocence of his childhood and the horrors of the camp.
The artwork remains one of the novel's defining features. Rather than simply illustrating the story, the paintings become part of the narrative itself, often conveying emotion through colour and composition. The changing palette mirrors Vidal's journey, moving from warmth and hope to darkness and despair. While I admired this artistic approach, there were occasions when I found myself lingering over the paintings and missing some of the accompanying narrative. Likewise, the inclusion of signs and notices in their original languages adds authenticity, but readers who speak only English may occasionally find themselves wishing for translations so that they can fully appreciate every visual detail without breaking their immersion in the story.
Vidal is ultimately a deeply personal tribute to one family's history. Through both words and artwork, Danila Botha preserves the remarkable life of Vidal Ben Soussan, ensuring that his experiences are not forgotten. While there were moments where I wished the narrative lingered longer on some of the story's most emotional events, I admired the originality of its presentation and the care taken to bring this important story to life. It is a thoughtful and visually distinctive work that offers readers a moving insight into a lesser-known perspective of the Holocaust.
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