May 2009

THE PHOTOGRAPHER is a stunningly original work that tells the story of Didier Lefèvre's 1986 journey with Doctors Without Borders into Afghanistan through photos and graphic panels. Written and drawn by Emmanuel Guibert and designed by Frederic Lemercier, the dramatic and personal story of Lefèvre's journey will both inform and haunt you. Lefèvre's photos are dramatic essays unto themselves, but set as they are to punctuate the drawings and story, readers will feel they are in the story, not merely watching from the sidelines. Guibert's work portrays both Lefèvre's triumphs and anguishes, and he paces the book wonderfully.
 

Beyond telling Lefèvre's story of this trip, one of seven that he made into Afghanistan, readers will get to know more about the missions of Doctors Without Borders. I had not been aware of the physically stressful aspect of these missions as the doctors trekked long distances from Pakistan to get to their outposts. Reading about the U.S.'s position in Afghanistan in the '80s will inform and maybe even surprise readers. We were aiding the fight with the Russians, giving pause as one reflects on what is going on in this part of the world today.

A great personal story first, a political story second, THE PHOTOGRAPHER is a book that is perfect to introduce to readers who previously might have overlooked graphic novels, as well as one to be savored as a milestone work by those who already enjoy the format.

Click here to read a review of THE PHOTOGRAPHER.
Click here to look inside THE PHOTOGRAPHER.