10 Jul / The Divine by Boaz Lavie, illustrated by Asaf Hanuka and Tomer Hanuka
Really, it’s not just because of the dragon that I’m telling you to read this. Although, yes, the dragon is indeed an intriguing draw, especially since it doesn’t appear until the very last pages, deus ex machina-style, albeit not without bringing violent retribution with it, as well. But clearly I’m getting ahead of myself.
Mark and his wife are pregnant. He’s hoping for a promotion that will move his growing family to Dallas. But when that doesn’t happen – he gets offered a transfer to Eden (which is anything but) instead – Mark decides to accompany Jason, a longtime buddy, on a lucrative mission to Quanlom, a little known Southeast Asian country somewhere near Vietnam. As an explosives technician, this is not going to be an easy job. He’s also warned, “It’s kind of an under-the-radar thing.” Wary as Mark is of Jason’s big talk and overblown promises, Mark’s convinced he needs the fast money.
The assignment is “lava tube denuding,” which requires a posse of well-armed men, remote hiking, and dangerous explosives. Just as the job is finishing, Mark spots a small boy in the distance, injured and alone. In spite of Jason’s vehement protestations, Mark is determined to help the child.
So what’s that saying … ? No good deed goes unpunished. In a good vs. evil fight to the death, what happens when you don’t know which side you’re on?
Colonialism, robbed childhoods, injustice, environmental devastation, haves. vs. have-nots, moral collapse – yup, that’s all in here and even more. The graphics are can’t-turn-away riveting, thanks to artist brothers Asaf Hanuka and Tomer Hanuka. As for Boaz Lavie’s hypnotic story, it’s unrelenting and uninterruptible – be warned: once begun, you’ll have to ignore all else until you reach the very end.
Speaking of the final page, that vivid color photograph of two 12-year-old twins will floor you. Context is everything, and – even if you immediately recognize the image – I won’t spoil the shock here. Just when you thought the shattering, scintillating adventure was over, you’ve got the equivalent of at least another thousand words to ponder over that single, haunting, devastating picture.
Readers: Young Adult
Published: 2015