"MAUS" by Art Spiegelman

We’ll be discussing the book, *MAUS by Art Spiegelman, in November.

The first and only graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize, MAUS is a hauntingly powerful exploration of memory, trauma, and survival—told through the lens of a son trying to understand his father’s past.

Art Spiegelman’s masterpiece recounts the harrowing story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and the fraught relationship with his son, a cartoonist grappling with the weight of inherited history.

Through a daring visual metaphor—Nazis as cats, Jews as mice—Spiegelman confronts the unspeakable with stark simplicity and emotional depth.

As father and son navigate the guilt and grief of survival, their everyday tensions unfold against the backdrop of one of history’s darkest chapters.

The result is a layered narrative that examines not only the Holocaust, but the echoes it leaves in the lives of those who follow.

*Please read both Maus I: A Survivor’s Tale and Maus II, or just get The Complete MAUS for the discussion.

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“The most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust.”
―Wall Street Journal

“A brutally moving work of art.”
―Boston Globe

“No summary can do justice to Spiegelman's narrative skill.”
―Adam Gopnik

“Like all great stories, it tells us more about ourselves than we could ever suspect.”
―Philip Pullman

“A capital-G Genius.”
―Michael Chabon

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The discussion will take place at the beautiful rooftop bar, Las Palmas, on Sunday, November 2nd at 3:00 PM. Please support the venue by ordering at least one drink.

Following the discussion, our next book will be chosen by a group poll—so come prepared to champion your pick.

Each month, we explore a different genre, enriching our reading experience and broadening our perspectives. For December, please bring at least one non-fiction book recommendation.

If your suggestion triumphs in our friendly voting war, your book takes center stage! And even if it doesn’t, you’ll still gain the joy of stepping beyond your usual reading horizons.

FAQ)

1)"Do I have to finish reading the book to join the event?"
YES. We’re here to discuss the book! To ensure a rich and meaningful conversation for everyone, all participants are expected to read the book in full before attending.

2)"Can I just listen and not join the discussion?"
NO. We gather in person to share ideas, not just to absorb them. Your voice matters! Whether you agree, disagree, or interpret things differently, every perspective helps deepen our understanding of the book. There’s no right or wrong answer, and every opinion is equally cherished.
Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions.
See you soon, bookflies🦋!