The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain



Sís, P. (2007). The wall: growing up behind the Iron Curtain. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain appears on the 2008 Notable Books for Children list. It is also a 2008 Caldecott Winner. (On my Notable Books for Children list)  It is an impressive history of one man's life, as well as the history of his country during his lifetime.

This book doesn't really follow the traditional plot line.  Although it does have a clear beginning and end, it doesn't really have a climax.  The main purpose of the book is to give a historical account of life in Prague as the author grew up there. He does this through illustrations, actual journal entries, historical facts, and personal accounts.  Through these techniques, he manages to give a biographical account of his life, while also presenting a timeline of events.  In the beginning, he introduces himself and explains that he has always loved to draw.  He also begins the timeline in 1948 when the Soviets took control of Czechoslavakia.  He illustrates many things that were compulsory during this time period and explains the hardships of living under Soviet rule.  During the late sixties, things became easier and censorship and many restrictions were lifted when Dubcek gained power.  The author and many of his friends became fascinated with Western culture, especially the music of these "decadent" capitlistic societies.  The author was even allowed to leave his country to travel.  However, August 21, 1968, Soviet troops invaded and removed the progressive government.  Things became difficult for the author again.  In 1984, he was allowed to leave the country for work, and he decided not to return.  Then in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell and The Cold War ended.  In the Afterword, the author explains that it is difficult to put into words what life was like for him in his country, so he decided to draw it to help his family understand the hardships of growing up under Soviet rule.

Illustrations:

This book is richly illustrated.  The use of color represents the atmosphere of his life.  During times when life was easier and more open, the author/illustrator uses vibrant colors.  During times when his life was greatly restricted due to Soviet rule, he uses black, grey, and red.