Two Brothers

Starred review from October 19, 2015
This work goes far beyond its publicity hook, which is that Eisner award–winning Brazilian twin brothers (Casanova, Daytripper) have adapted Milton Hatoum’s classic novel about twin brothers to the graphic novel form. Narrated mostly by Nael, the illegitimate son of one of the brothers, the tale is presented in a nonlinear narrative with multiple flashbacks, as stories within stories begin to fill in the greater family chronicle spiraling around the twins and their simmering rivalry and hatred. The intricate secrets and lies at the heart of families are set against a backdrop of almost cinematic cityscapes and vistas. Bá and Moon present the naturalistic dynamism of Brazil in their art: sweeping, dramatic organic shapes against the sharp angularity of the people. The stark b&w art crackles to express the subtleties of palpable, barely contained tension between kin, a brutal police beating, and the erotic electricity of an exotic dance. Bá and Moon bring a cool, confident sharpness to their narrative to reflect the shades of gray in this powerful family saga.

Starred review from January 1, 2016
Identical twins Yaqub and Omar have never been close but, as they reach adolescence, years of simmering tension finally erupt in a violent fight that leaves Yaqub permanently scarred and then essentially exiled, sent to live with family in Lebanon. In his absence, Omar's position as the favored son is cemented, and, when Yaqub returns five years later, it is clear that the separation has only made things much worse. Consumed with anger and vying for dominance, both men make choices that will eventually leave the entire family in ruins. Readers need not be familiar with Milton Hatoum's original novel to appreciate this cautionary tale of one family's heartbreaking self-destruction. Stark black-and-white illustrations filled with dark shadows and high contrast support the emotional weight of the story, and Brazil's lush tropical setting and complex cultural history are captured in both the detailed panels and large cast of highly developed characters. The nonlinear narrative, heavy with flashbacks and family histories, becomes increasingly cohesive as the book's narrator is finally revealed. Engrossing and compulsively readable, the damage of revenge and futility of regret is palpable in this heartbreaking tale of obsession. Highly recommended for all graphic novel collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)