Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda is a graphic novel that tells the fictional story of a young Rwandan, Deogratias, a Hutu, and his journey to madness and depravity during the mass genocide that occurred in the country in the early 1990’s. The author, Belgian J.P. Stassen received the Goscinny Prize for Deogratious, which awards graphic novelists in their craft.
Stassen’s use of color to propose lighting makes an incredible difference in the enjoyment of the book. The set pieces that occur at night are colored in beautiful purple and black tones, and the bright, dusty hues of the daytime events are equally impressive.
At several key moments, Deogratias’ mental anguish causes him to psychologically transform himself in to a doglike creature, and the ugly visual works perfectly with the pacing of the film to show the character’s feelings.
The graphic language, sometimes sexual in nature, makes Deogratias a poignant and unsettling read. There are no moments of joy or happiness in the novel, and the reader should be forewarned of this. Evil characters, such as the French soldier and Hutu rebels, are immeasurably vulgar in their language and attitude. However, a true sense of reality and consequences comes through in the story. Bad characters are looked down upon by Stassen, and probably by the reader as well - and rightly so.
Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda is a difficult, yet satisfying novel. Stassen takes the reader on a journey through depravity, insanity and extreme violence to a world with only the slightest strand of joy. If good books are supposed to push a reader towards awareness, then consider Deogratias a strong kick in the back.
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