Maus

by Art Spiegelman
Maus cover
Good Books rating 4.2
Graphic Novels / Comics
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  • ID: 562
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • Published: 1991-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Maus is a groundbreaking graphic novel that tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, and his son, a cartoonist struggling to come to terms with his father's past. The novel uses a unique and powerful metaphor, depicting Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, to convey the horrors of the Holocaust in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving. The narrative alternates between Vladek's harrowing experiences during World War II and the present-day relationship between Vladek and his son, revealing the lasting impact of trauma and the complexities of intergenerational relationships. /n/n The novel is not just a historical account but also a deeply personal exploration of memory, guilt, and survival. It challenges readers to confront the unspeakable and to consider the broader implications of history on individual lives. The use of graphic novel format allows for a unique and powerful storytelling experience, combining visual and textual elements to create a haunting and unforgettable narrative.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-20
Haunting 4.60

Maus is a haunting tale within a tale, weaving a harrowing story of survival with the author's account of his relationship with his father.

The Goodreads review describes 'Maus' as a haunting tale within a tale, highlighting the harrowing story of survival and the author's account of his relationship with his father. The review notes the emotional complexity and depth of the narrative, making it a compelling read. The graphic novel format is praised for its ability to convey the emotional and historical significance of the story. The review also mentions the book's impact on readers, making it a standout work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Maus is a haunting tale within a tale.

    Vladek's harrowing story of survival is woven into the author's account of his tortured relationship with his aging father.

    The graphic novel format enhances the emotional and historical significance of the story.

George L. Thomas Blog · 2024-03-01
powerful 4.00

This graphic novel is a powerful and poignant memoir that recounts the author's father's experiences as a Jewish survivor. The book's impact is profound and thought-provoking.

The reviewer found Maus to be a powerful and poignant memoir that recounts the experiences of the author's father, Vladek Spiegelman, as a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. They highlighted the book's impact, noting how it manages to be both heartbreaking and deeply moving. The reviewer appreciated the candid and unsentimental way the story is told, which adds to its authenticity and emotional weight. They also noted the book's ability to appeal to a wide range of readers, including those who might not typically read graphic novels.

Quick quotes

    Maus is a graphic novel and a powerful and poignant memoir that recounts the experiences of the author's father, Vladek Spiegelman, as a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust.

    It's a loving heart-breaking portrait of a family afflicted by terror and tragedy, yet it's told in a candid unsentimental way.

    Spiegelman's paradigm-shifting book appeals to so-called serious types in a way most other graphic novels simply do not.

Los Angeles Times High School · 2024-01-08
harrowing 4.20

It is complex and dark, yet fascinating and horrifying. The graphic novel is not an easy read but is deeply impactful.

The reviewer from the Los Angeles Times High School section found the graphic novel to be a complex and dark exploration of survival and its aftermath. They acknowledge that it is not an easy read, but the depth of emotion and the horrifying yet fascinating narrative make it a deeply impactful work. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and the way it portrays the complexities of the Holocaust.

Quick quotes

    It is complex and dark, it is fascinating and horrifying.

    This was a book about the Holocaust, not about a walk in the park.

    The more my mom told me about it, the more I realized how important it is.

The Guardian · 2023-02-06
intriguing 4.00

It appeals to serious readers in a way most graphic novels do not. It's a paradigm-shifting work that stands out in the genre.

The Guardian reviewer notes that this graphic novel has a unique appeal to serious readers, setting it apart from other works in the genre. They highlight its paradigm-shifting nature and its ability to make history accessible and impactful. The depth and complexity of the narrative make it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Spiegelman's paradigm-shifting book appeals to so-called serious types in a way most other graphic novels simply do not.

    It has to be read to be fully appreciated.

    A work that stands out in the genre.

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