Song of a Blackbird is a graphic novel inspired by true events that depicts two parallel fictional narratives. Set in Amsterdam in 2011 and 1945, this narrative intertwines two powerful stories of heartbreak and hope.
2011 - Annick’s Oma is very sick with leukemia. Her only hope for survival is to find a matching bone marrow donor. When Oma’s siblings are not a match, the doctor breaks the news that they are, in fact, not her biological siblings. This devastating news is the catalyst for Annick to find out who her Oma’s parents were. However, the only things her Oma has from her early childhood are her vague memories and five prints depicting various buildings of significance. Annick uses the artwork's inscriptions and artist names to find her Oma’s family.
1945 – In a building across the street from Emma’s school, the Nazis are detaining Jewish people and then deporting the adults to camps. Their children are taken to a nearby childcare centre. Concerned about the fate of the Jewish people, Emma joins her teacher as part of the Resistance to covertly rebel against the Nazis through a printing business that forges papers and ration coupons. Emma eventually becomes involved in the biggest bank heist in European history.
The narrator throughout the novel is a blackbird who is often ‘called upon when hardship is having its way with someone.’ Its monologue is represented in black speech bubbles, providing insights into the characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Song of a Blackbird is a unique and engaging graphic novel that would appeal to an upper primary and lower secondary school audience. It is highly recommended for those who are interested in World War II history. The mixed media artwork is created using minimal colour. It layers black and white photographs, letters, cartoon illustrations, and speech bubbles to portray Annick and Emma stories. Song of a Blackbird includes themes of compassion, courage, family, and art.
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