Review time! with ‘Vann Nath: Painting the Khmer Rouge’
Introduction
Humanoids, a publisher known for its fancier graphic novels, has released “Vann Nath: Painting the Khmer Rouge.” This graphic novel is a collaboration between Matteo Mastragostino (writer), Paolo Castaldi (artist), and Mark Bence (translator). In this review, we will delve into the details and explore the book’s content.
Vann Nath: A Historical Fiction Book
“Vann Nath: Painting the Khmer Rouge” is a historical fiction book that focuses on the protagonist’s experience during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975-1979. This regime, considered one of the most brutal dictatorships of the twentieth century, subjected the Cambodian population to unimaginable atrocities.
The book is not just an excellent comic; it holds an important place for its educational value. While it tells a compelling story, it also serves as a reminder of the resilience of individuals living under oppressive regimes and the need to learn from history.
Disjointed Narration
Mastragostino adopts a somewhat disjointed narrative structure in “Vann Nath.” The story begins in April 1975 when the Khmer Rouge forcefully evacuates the city of Phnom Penh, suspicious of urban dwellers and their perceived Western influence. In 1979, after the regime’s fall, Vann Nath reminisces about his time under their brutal supervision.
The alternating timeline between 1975 and 1979 effectively captures the reader’s attention. Despite knowing that Vann Nath survives, the gripping narrative allows us to concentrate on the events and the ways in which the Khmer Rouge attempted to break people mentally and physically.
The Prison and Vann Nath’s Skill
Accused of “immoral conduct” without further details, Vann Nath is imprisoned and held captive for years. The Khmer Rouge discovers his talent for painting and forces him to create a likeness of Pol Pot, the regime’s leader. His artistic ability becomes a means of survival, as the Khmer Rouge wants him to produce propaganda for their cause.
After his release following the fall of the Communists, Vann Nath uses his art to depict the regime’s abuses. The book includes reproductions of the murals he painted, which provide a visual representation of the horrors endured during that time.
Tension and Urgency
The initial chapters, set in the prison, maintain a tense atmosphere. Vann Nath’s attempts to please his captors while witnessing the disappearance of others create a constant sense of fear and uncertainty. Despite knowing that Vann Nath survives, the story remains gripping, as Mastragostino captures the fear of living on the edge of death.
However, as the narrative progresses, the book loses some of its urgency. The focus narrows primarily on Vann Nath, and we do not witness the extent of the Khmer Rouge’s actions on Cambodia as a whole. While understandable given the protagonist’s perspective, it leaves the reader with a longing for a broader understanding of the regime’s impact.
Justice and the Aftermath
One day, Vann Nath is suddenly released from prison, and the book offers no insight into how the regime ultimately ends. The lack of closure, while not detrimental to the story’s central focus on the protagonist, can be frustrating for readers seeking a more comprehensive historical account.
As the book progresses, it shifts its focus to Cambodia’s handling of the Khmer Rouge in the following decades. Vann Nath’s drawings become crucial pieces of evidence in the trial of the prison’s director, who was convicted of crimes against humanity in 2010. While uplifting to some extent, this shift in focus results in a loss of narrative cohesion. The book becomes more of a dry history book, diluting some of the gripping storytelling that initially captivated readers.
The Art of Castaldi
Paolo Castaldi’s artwork in “Vann Nath” is a commendable contribution to the graphic novel. His delicate brush strokes create a dreamlike quality, emphasizing the characters’ disbelief in the harsh reality they find themselves in. The sparing use of color, primarily grays and dirty browns, adds to the ethereal atmosphere, making the occasional appearance of red more striking and impactful.
Castaldi skillfully portrays the Khmer Rouge members as regular individuals, devoid of monstrous appearances. This choice is particularly chilling as it underscores the banality of evil. Only slight shifts in their facial features reveal the true extent of their malevolence. Furthermore, Castaldi depicts the older members as sad and pathetic individuals, struggling to come to terms with their murderous pasts.
While Castaldi’s art is praiseworthy, the disappointment lies in Mastragostino’s limited depiction of Vann Nath’s paintings. The book missed opportunities to showcase the protagonist’s creations, both as a prisoner and in his pursuit of justice.
An Important Story
The Khmer Rouge regime inflicted unimaginable horrors on the Cambodian population, with a significant loss of life during the late 1970s. “Vann Nath: Painting the Khmer Rouge” provides a commendable portrayal of this dark period in history. The book effectively serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of understanding and learning from past atrocities to prevent their recurrence.
While the book is most effective when focused on Vann Nath’s journey, its attempts to broaden the narrative ultimately dilute its impact. Nonetheless, it remains an interesting and necessary read, shedding light on life under a dictatorship and the resilience of individuals in the face of brutality.