The English G.I. A Graphic Novel Review

There is a first time for everything and here at Bound to Writing this first is reviewing a graphic novel. Now, I love reading graphic novels I just haven’t read an indie published one before. When the author, Jonathan Sandler Page, reached out to me about his graphic novel, I couldn’t possibly pass it up. So that’s exactly what we’re going to be discussing today, Jonathan’s book, The English GI.

Besides being a graphic novel, the other thing that pulled me to this book is the content. Set in WWII, I’m in! It’s one of my favorite time periods to read about. What also pulled me in is that it follows a real-life account of the U.S. Army in WWII. Now let’s get onto the review of The English GI.

The English GI

Author: Jonathan Sandler Page

Genre: Graphic Novel / YA Historical / Memoir

Series: n/a

Publication Date: April 11, 2022

My Rating: 3.5 pens

Goodreads Synopsis: In September 1939, Britain declares war on Germany. Bernard Sandler, a 17-year-old schoolboy from Yorkshire, is on a school trip to the United States and consequently finds himself unable to return home, separated from his close-knit Jewish family in Britain.

Stranded in cosmopolitan New York for an unknown duration, he must grow up quickly. He discovers the pleasures and excitement of Broadway theatre and jazz while developing his own social circle at New York University. But just as he finds his independence, the United States declares war in December 1941, which changes his life once again. Bernard is drafted into the United States Army, joining the 26th Infantry “Yankee” Division. Eventually, he returns to Europe, serving on the front lines alongside General Patton’s Third Army during the brutal Lorraine Campaign in Northern France in the fall of 1944.

The book also follows the remarkable story of Bernard’s family in England, and the fate of his wider family in Latvia (whom he visited in an epic journey in 1937, also as a schoolboy), during this period.

The English GI is a moving personal story about coming-of-age, the powerful bond of families, and the tragedy of war

Source: eCopy for Honest Review

Topics & Triggers: war

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The English G.I. is set just before Britain joins the war against Germany. There is some backstory to get you acquainted with the time period which is helpful.

The Graphics

I love the style of the graphics. They show the time period and people in a way that feels realistic.

The Story

I like how the story really puts you into the mindset of Bernard as he goes through his experiences. The one thing I would like to note is that the story does feel as if someone is telling the story from the outside and not in the moment.

The Extras

At the end of the story there is over 20 pages of included information and pictures. I think it is a nice addition to provide people with some further information about the people, places, and events that occurred during Bernard’s life. However, I wish some more of that could’ve been included in the story itself.

The English G.I. was a different story than I expected to read. It provided a valuable insight into the war. I thought this would have more of a storyline to it. However, it feels like someone on the outside telling a story. I loved the graphics and the way the book is set-up. Though I do wish the story was a bit longer to include much more of the story that was left in text pages at the end of the book. I’d be interested in reading another graphic novel by Jonathan Sandler Page.

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I hope you enjoyed my first ever graphic novel review! It’s definitely a bit harder to put into words my thoughts on the story, but hopefully I was able to provide some useful insight that will allow you to decide this is a book for you.

Happy Reading!