Grandmothers, Our Grandmothers - (Tuttle Specials) by Han Seong-Won (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Recommended by the New York Public Library among its list of "50 Best New Comics for Adults."

They have waited 75 years for an acknowledgment that what was done to them was a war crime. They are still waiting.

Grandmothers, Our Grandmothers is a beautifully and sensitively rendered narrative of the ongoing crusade of WWII's most courageous survivors: the "Comfort Women" -- sex slaves forced into servitude by the Japanese Imperial Army. Through personal encounters with courageous survivors, Han Seong-won brings to life the stories of resilient women who refuse to be defined by their hardships.

Although targeted at young adults, this poignant tribute's powerful storytelling and historical significance resonates with readers of all ages. These brave women carried their stories in silence, passing them to future generations through courageous testimonies.

Grandmothers, Our Grandmothers is not only a powerful historical account but also a call to action--urging readers to stand up for justice and human rights in the face of history's injustices.

Review Quotes

**Recommended by the New York Public Library among its list of '50 Best New Comics for Adults' in 2023**

"For 75 years, Korean women have fought for recognition of the war crimes they endured as 'comfort women' enslaved by Japanese soldiers in WWII. These are their stories." --Publishers Weekly

"Mixing vivid, colorful snapshot portraits with stripped-down black-and-white comics, the simply rendered testimonials are forceful. Recalling Keum Seuk Gendry-Kim's Grass, this acts both as homage and witness, and as inspiration for new generations to speak out against stigma and silence." --Publishers Weekly

"With poignancy and grace, Han Seong-won honors the dwindling populations of 'comfort women, ' or survivors of the atrocities of sexual slavery of WWII. Through amazing illustrations, this book offers a snapshot into the impact these injustices had on their lives and families." --New York Public Library

About the Author

Han Seong-won has been writing and drawing books and articles about modern Korean history for over twenty years. A documentary project on women and war led him on the path to exploring the "comfort women" problem, a still fresh example of the long arm of war. During this journey, through collections of written accounts and participation in the Wednesday Protests, he had the opportunity to speak with surviving Grandmothers who experienced this still unresolved, ignominious moment in human history. This book is his gift and tribute to the Grandmothers and all victims of human rights violations.