Recently I was emailing a representative of a publisher my work deals with. We were talking about a book dealing with the 12 Day War between Iran and Israel that is coming out this fall. I mentioned I would like to find something that showed the other side of the story as well. I figure one should get all the information one can and you’ll probably have a better understanding of things as a whole. The person mentioned they liked Rutu Modan. However, she was not a contemporary author. Still, worth a shot, right? I decided to start with Exit Wounds (translated by Noah Stollman) and Maya Makes a Mess.
No, Exit Wounds is not about recent events, but in the long run, that does not matter. It tells you a story of a man, a woman and the two of them trying to find a mutual person who has shaped them both positively and negatively. It is a coming of age story when you are well into your adult years. It is how a father, lover and the people we touch by existing shape things you would never imagine.
Coming away with a “What an unusual collection of words and images” feeling after reading made me realize the fact it took so long to read was worth it. It seems deceptively easy. In fact the text and format allow things to fly quickly. But there is absolutely nothing that happens. Things drag on for months. The setting feels timeless. This was not just from the early 2000’s. The people represent everyone. However, there are a few dated situations (certain football teams), but even though many of the “day to day” of the time (bombings in the shopping centers) are still happening with the current political setting. Yet, they are representative of “then” and not “now” and that does come across.
The illustrations do not fare any better with giving us information on what is happening, but does shape things a little more. It really gives us an idea of the type of people we are dealing with and it is not a traditional Western and not American story. There is nudity, sexual situations and attitudes you would not necessarily locate in those. Things are minimalistic, abstract, not overly “filled in” but not lacking as they set the tone.
And a quick note on Maya Makes a Mess which is for middle grade readers and those who can or have read it, should not read Exit Wounds which is for older, mature teens to adults.
