Coquelicots d’Irak is a compelling graphic novel that showcases the extraordinary artistic collaboration between renowned author and illustrator Lewis Trondheim and his wife, the talented colorist Brigitte Findakly. This French edition dives deep into the childhood experiences of Brigitte, who was born in Iraq to an Iraqi father and a French mother in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical landscape, filled with political upheaval, military dictatorships, and the eventual migration to France.

For many years, Lewis Trondheim has been celebrated for his vast bibliography, while Brigitte’s impressive contributions to the world of comics have remained lesser known. From her early work on Pif Gadget to her integral role in projects like Le Chat du Rabbin and Les Formidables aventures de Lapinot, she has colored over a hundred albums, yet this book marks her first significant narrative role.

In Coquelicots d’Irak, Trondheim takes a departure from his usual anthropomorphized characters to tell a deeply personal story. This graphic novel, which includes segments previously published in Les strips de la matinale of Le Monde, captures Brigitte’s memories of her childhood in Mossoul, Iraq. The story reveals the challenges faced by her family amid a series of military coups and the oppressive atmosphere of dictatorship that defined her early years.

The narrative artfully weaves together Brigitte’s recollections, illustrating the impact of political strife on her family life and the inevitable journey toward exile in France during the early 1970s. The transition was fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, cultural shocks, and social challenges, making the migration experience a poignant theme throughout the book.

Beautifully illustrated and punctuated with evocative photographs, Coquelicots d’Irak offers readers an intimate look at the Iraqi culture and customs, as well as Brigitte’s nostalgic reflections on her homeland. This graphic novel not only tells a personal story of loss and longing but also resonates with the universal experiences of displacement and identity.

Through powerful vignettes, Trondheim and Findakly present a nuanced portrayal of a life shaped by the harsh realities of war and exile. The title itself, which translates to ‘Poppies of Iraq,’ symbolizes the fragility of memories and the delicate ties that remain with a homeland once left behind. As poppies wither when uprooted, so too does the connection to one’s origins become tenuous, yet it remains a profound part of one’s identity.

This graphic novel is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is a heartfelt tribute to Brigitte’s journey and an exploration of the broader themes of migration, memory, and resilience. Readers will find themselves drawn into the vivid world of Coquelicots d’Irak, where art and storytelling converge to illuminate the complexities of a life lived across borders.

In conclusion, Coquelicots d’Irak is an essential read for anyone interested in graphic storytelling that delves into personal history intertwined with cultural and political narratives. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring connections to our roots, even in the face of adversity.