"Remember Us to Life" is a poignant and deeply moving graphic memoir that skillfully blends history, personal discovery, and powerful storytelling. Joanna Rubin Dranger takes readers on an emotional journey through her family’s history, from their migration across Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Israel, to uncovering the horrific traumas and losses they endured during the Holocaust. Through breathtaking black-and-white artwork, Dranger weaves a narrative that is both intimate and heartbreaking.

The book not only highlights the vibrant, yet forgotten lives of her Jewish ancestors but also reveals the dark, pervasive antisemitism that spanned several countries, including the Swedish government’s complicity. Dranger's unflinching exploration of this history captures both the resilience and the tragic violence that her family experienced, making "Remember Us to Life" a must-read for anyone interested in the profound impact of history on personal and collective memory. It’s a haunting, beautifully crafted tribute to those lost and a testament to the power of family history in understanding our present.

Remember Us To Life
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Remember Us To Life.

A graphic memoir about author Joanna Rubin Dranger’s research into her history and family. Told through text with beautiful black and white artwork, Dranger takes us through the lost history of her extended family and her navigating and confronting the trauma, violence, and abuse that plagued her Jewish ancestors. At times slow paced, Dranger struggles with the search and research into her family’s missing history and reminds the reader not to forget the Holocaust and the unhuman treatment of humans that were deemed “other.” 4.5 stars

This was a very moving and educational graphic novel. Just finished reading it not long ago and and I’m speechless

Some books are a journey--both literally and emotionally. And this is a book that packs a wallop, albeit very quietly. It sneaks up on you. I had to put it down a few times and just breathe. But it is one of those books that is deeply meaningful, not only to the author, but to the world. It has particular relevance right now. This is the kind of book that you dearly wish could be in every library, including school libraries. I am grateful that books such as these are still being published.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I cried... but it is definitely one of my top reads this year.

Towards the end of Remember Us to Life, the author writes of her book, "It won't be good enough; all the people and names and dates are in the way of making people relate. Nobody will be able to make themselves read it, I can hardly read it myself." This book is outstanding and I really hope the author sees all of the positive reviews her work will undoubtedly get.

The content of this book is obviously incredibly harrowing and to be alongside Joanna Rubin Dranger as she makes so many tragic discoveries about her family, is heartbreaking but it also feels like a great privilege.

I was constantly reminded of Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi in terms of the artwork and Maus by Art Spiegelman because of the way the author's journey is documented.

I have read many books about this period of history, both fiction and non-fiction, but I learnt so much from this book that I'd not heard about before and I really appreciated the other sources and references listed at the back of the book as these will enable me to learn more.

Graphic memoir, Jewish history, family history, Sweden, Norway, WWI, WWII and Holocaust, antisemitism then & now, generational trauma

The author explores her family history, uncovering many unknown/un-passed along information and relatives.

The fine line drawings (almost look like wood stamping) are beautiful and the inclusion of family documents, newspapers and photographs really make the story come to life.

The story starts with the author reading Maus and curiosity about her own family's history. She discovers they left Russia/Poland/Lithiuania after the programs in the early 1900's to come to Sweden, where she lives now. They go into the textile and dry goods industries in Hindas, Sweden which she visits.

I loved the way she discusses how Jewish identity can look different and is different for all. She tracks down relatives in Israel, discovers the stories of family members Nazi occupied Norway, and learns about family that disappeared.


"To forget the dead would be to kill them a second time" Elie Wiesel

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the e-ARC of Remember Us To Life!
4 / 5 ⭐

“To those who were murdered, to those who lived.”
When most people think of historical Jewish graphic novels, we think of Maus. Remember Us To Live is very different from Maus, so I want to make sure people are going in with the right mindset to the book and giving it the care it deserves. Remember Us To Life is a mixed-media deep dive into the lives (and deaths) of the author’s family. There is not a driving action packed narrative; it doesn’t have as much of the graphic, visceral violence of Maus. Remember Us is text heavy and focused on facts across all areas of life because it is meant to preserve lived experiences. Answered questions lead to more questions and to regrets. There is not a happily ever after - even the “good” news is heavy with the weight of grief and generational trauma. Things are complicated and uncertain.

This was a labor of love and research, and I would recommend it to people who enjoy memoirs and historical non fiction. It has all the trigger warnings you would expect in a book about the Shoah.