Jamilti and Other Stories

In Exit Wounds, a tale at once mystery and romance, North American readers were introduced to the colorful and tightly woven graphic narrative by Rutu Modan. Jamilti and Other Stories collects the cartoonist’s short works, which lead the reader through unexpected turns of plot and unusual character portraits. Some are darkly fantastical and unsettling, such as the unraveling of a serial-killer murder mystery, or her accounts of an infatuated plastic surgeon and his sanitarium, and a mother back from the dead with dubious healing powers. Others are more attuned to surprising discoveries that shape personal identity, as in the story of a tragic past that lies within a family’s theme hotel, or that of a struggling musician who hopes an upcoming gig will be his big break. In the title story, Modan addresses political violence with a suicide bombing that shakes up a day in the lives of a young couple.

Praise

"Modan's graphic novel Exit Wounds was set in Israel. This title is a collection of seven short stories that were written earlier and are set in various times and places. Subjects range from political violence to personal moments and fantastical interludes. One story involves a rock star who travels to England believing that he is going to get a boost in his career. Well written and surprising, "Jamilti" features a Palestinian fighter and a nurse. The volume contains both color and black-and-white art. In contrast to the author's later work, the character representations here are less refined and often have exaggerated features and expressions that help to illustrate Modan's narrative points. The backgrounds also tend to be less detailed, which helps to draw readers' eyes back to the characters and their emotions."—Kelliann Bogan, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, New Hampshire, School Library Journal

About the Author(s)

Rutu Modan

Rutu Modan, one of Israel’s best-known cartoonists, was born in Tel Aviv in 1966. She is most recognized in North America for her graphic novel Exit Wounds, and currently lives in England with her family.