Wow, what an affecting and thoroughly informative graphic novel about the 9/11 terrorist attacks and how it changed the world. I was 18 living in Massachusetts when the attacks occurred, but learned a lot from this graphic novel. It gives such a strong sense of what it was like to live during the early 2000s. The book has many perspectives to give a fuller picture of all that happened, but the overarching one is that of a young woman in France, who was 14 years old when the attacks occurred. We see how the devastating attack that claimed almost 3,000 on September 11th captured the world’s attention and precipitated so many worldwide changes and actions. We also see the perspectives of those trapped in the towers or on the ground, first responders, a young photographer, President George W. Bush, etc.

The novel and its illustrations deftly capture the chaos, panic, fear, confusion, and bravery by those directly affected that day. It also covers the political climate and government actions taken by the US, such as bombing Afghanistan, invading Iraq, and conducting massive surveillance on its citizens. I appreciate that it was mentioned how anti-Muslim rhetoric and conspiracy theories, but I wish it had said more on the issue. Despite the massive call for “unity” in the US, there was much blind allegiance and toxic Patriotism, which led to “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” rhetoric and physical attacks on Arab-Americans.

It educates on Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, the Patriot Act – which allowed widespread surveillance and exploitation of new technology that laws had not yet been written about. It also goes over the role Edward Snowden played in releasing this information and the assassination of Osama Bin Laden. It documents the terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists that occurred following 9/11, particularly in large European cities like London, Madrid, and Paris. The content can be very heavy at times, so probably teenagers and adults would be the best audience. I highly recommend this graphic novel.

Thank you Europe Comics and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

I was a freshman in college on Sept 11, 2001. This graphic novel is incredibly powerful. I didn't expect to cry, but I did.

It shows how terrifying the day was, the story of those who died and those who survived, the confusion as it all unfolded and the reaction after.

So much of our lives have been deeply impacted by this day and continue in terms of security measures, fears, and our beliefs.

The image of the boot prints on Irag and Afghanistan. I don't even know how to describe it. Our (American) fear smashed a lot of the world following 9/11.

It was interesting to see the reaction of those from another country and learn more about the terrorist attacks that followed shortly after in Europe.