SLIS 5420 - The Wall

Week Seven: Biography – The Wall by Peter Sis

Book Summary: 

         The Wall by Peter Sis is an autobiographical account of growing up in Prague, Czechoslovakia post WWII in words and pictures.  During the Cold War, Czechoslovakia was under Russian rule, and although Peter Sis was still allowed to draw, he was censored and monitored at every turn.  His drawings continued though, although sometimes hidden, and then western music seeped into the ears of the young.  The Beatles, The Who, the Beach Boys, and Led Zeppelin were unfortunately silenced almost as quickly as they were allowed but left a lasting impact on the lives they touched. Several years later, the wall fell, and Communism collapsed, freeing Sis and Czechoslovakia. 

 

APA Reference:  

Sis, P. (2007). The wall: Growing up behind the iron curtain. New York, NY: Frances Foster Books. 

My Impressions: 

 

         The story of Peter Sis’ childhood growing up under Communist rule is engaging and poignant.  Sis mostly uses black and red drawings showing the uniformity and drabness of Communist rule, but once breaks out into a full pop color spread showing the entrance of The Beatles, Alan Ginsberg, the Harlem Globetrotters, and the freedom of the arts that briefly were allowed through in the 1960’s.  The majority of the illustrations throughout the book seem to mimic the conformity that was demanded of the Communist rule, but this one image of the freedom of the 1960’s is impactful because it breaks that mold. 

         Sis’ story does not hide anything, although it discusses the fact that many things were hidden form the Czech people while they were being brainwashed and censored into Communist thinking.  Pages from Sis’ actual journals give a depth to the story that can only occur in a first hand account from someone who lived through this time.  From his talk of his uncle’s imprisonment as an enemy of the state in 1956 to creating a band in 1967, these real thoughts are insightful.  This is a wonderfully told story for children who might not understand this time in history otherwise.  

Professional Review: 

         Born out of a question posed to Sís (Play, Mozart, Play!) by his children ("Are you a settler, Dad?"), the author pairs his remarkable artistry with journal entries, historical context and period photography to create a powerful account of his childhood in Cold War-era Prague. Dense, finely crosshatched black-and-white drawings of parades and red-flagged houses bear stark captions: "Public displays of loyalty--compulsory. Children are encouraged to report on their families and fellow students. Parents learn to keep their opinions to themselves." Text along the bottom margin reveals young Sís's own experience: "He didn't question what he was being told. Then he found out there were things he wasn't told." The secret police, with tidy suits and pig faces, intrude into every drawing, watching and listening. As Sís grows to manhood, Eastern Europe discovers the Beatles, and the "Prague Spring of 1968" promises liberation and freedom. Instead, Soviet tanks roll in, returning the city to its previous restrictive climate. Sís rebels when possible, and in the book's final spreads, depicts himself in a bicycle, born aloft by wings made from his artwork, flying toward America and freedom, as the Berlin Wall crumbles below. Although some of Sís's other books have their source in his family's history, this one gives the adage "write what you know" biting significance. Younger readers have not yet had a graphic memoir with the power of Maus or Persepolis to call their own, but they do now. Ages 8-up.

The wall: Growing up behind the iron curtain [Review of the book The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by P. Sis]. 
          (2007). Publishers Weekly, 254(27), 55-56.  Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com

Library Uses: 

         The Wall uses excerpts from Peter Sis’ journals for the 1950’s and 1960’s.  The librarian could use these journal entries to discuss student’s lives and what is worthy of writing down.  This could further be used to teach blog writing as well as online privacy because many children today may not keep a handwritten journal, but they certainly may keep a public one in the form of a blog, Facebook account, or any number of other social sites.