We Are On Our Own

We Are On Our Own is a graphic memoir depicting author Miriam Katin's experiences as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Budapest during World War II. The story follows young Miriam and her mother as they flee their home and assume false identities to survive. The black-and-white illustrations capture the stark reality of life on the run, while occasional splashes of color represent moments from the author's adult life. Through her distinctive artistic style, Katin presents both the immediate dangers her family faced and the long-term impact of these events. The memoir shifts between past and present, documenting not only historical events but also Katin's evolving relationship with faith and identity. The work explores universal themes of survival, loss of innocence, and the complex bond between mother and child during times of crisis.

Readers highlight the unique graphic novel approach to telling this Holocaust survival story through both a child and mother's perspective. Many note the power of the black-and-white artwork in conveying emotion and tension. Readers appreciated: - Raw, honest portrayal of complex mother-daughter dynamics - Integration of both past and present timelines - Detailed historical accuracy - Simple yet expressive illustration style Common criticisms: - Some found the parallel storylines between past/present confusing - Several readers wanted more depth in certain plot points - A few noted difficulty connecting with the contemporary sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (40+ reviews) Representative review: "The stark artwork matches the stark reality of survival...but there are also moments of beauty and humanity that shine through." - Goodreads user "The mother's impossible choices hit hard...though the modern-day scenes feel less urgent." - Amazon reviewer

Maus by Art Spiegelman A son documents his Jewish parents' survival of the Holocaust through stark black and white illustrations in this groundbreaking graphic memoir.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson This graphic novel presents the true story of a Somali refugee who grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp while caring for his nonverbal brother.

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei This memoir in graphic novel form chronicles Takei's childhood years spent in American concentration camps during World War II.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi The author recounts her coming-of-age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran through expressive black and white illustrations.

The Complete Anne Frank by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón This graphic adaptation brings Anne Frank's diary and the events surrounding her family's hiding to life through detailed illustrations and historical context.

🔹 Author Miriam Katin created this graphic memoir at age 63, having never written a book before, drawing from her memories as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Hungary. 🔹 The book alternates between color and black-and-white panels - with wartime scenes depicted in stark black and white, while modern-day sequences appear in full color. 🔹 Katin worked as an animator for MTV, Disney, and Nickelodeon before turning her talents to creating graphic novels about her Holocaust experiences. 🔹 The author and her mother survived by assuming false identities as a peasant woman and her illegitimate child, constantly moving from village to village throughout Hungary. 🔹 The memoir explores not only survival during the Holocaust but also how these experiences shaped Katin's relationship with faith, as she witnessed her mother abandon her Jewish beliefs during their ordeal.