Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me
“[Pekar’s] message here is important—that a good Jew asks tough questions, that a history of oppression requires us to be more conscious of the oppressed.”—David L. Ulin,Los Angeles Times“This posthumous publication reflects the seminal graphic memoirist at his edgy best.”—Kirkus(starred review)“[T]his posthumous work by Pekar functions as a multipronged exploration of religious, political, and personal histories and is all the richer for it . . . A sweet and simple epilogue by Pekar’s widow, Joyce Brabner, provides the perfect capstone.”—Publishers Weekly“This is not only Pekar’s greatest work, but probably the most powerful use of his talent for plainly speaking truth to power and ignorance. JT Waldman masterfully captures the wry innocence of Harvey’s interrogation while still celebrating the subtle contours of modern American Jewishness.”—Douglas Rushkoff, author ofLife Inc.andProgram or Be Programmed“A fascinating history of the so-called Promised Land—as seen through the eyes of an estranged Jew from Cleveland. Brimming with classic Pekar asides and details, the book sheds light on a subject often obscured by heat. JT Waldman’s evocative artwork combines down-to-earthAmerican Splendor–style illustrations with motifs inspired by everything from mythology and Islamic art to illuminated manuscripts and Chagall. I never got to say goodbye to Harvey, but reading this book was like having a final conversation with him.”—Josh Neufeld,American Splendorartist, and author and artist ofA.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge“Pekar peppers accounts of perpetual persecution with poignant autobiographical anecdotes in this concise, compelling, and sure-to-be controversial graphic history of the Jewish people and the state of Israel. JT Waldman’s art, juxtaposing realism with ancient styles, rocking exquisite mosaics and elaborate medieval and Middle Eastern design flourishes, is nothing less than a majestic tour de Schwartz.”—Jeff Newelt,HeebMagazine comics editor, and editor of Harvey Pekar’sCleveland“Not the Israel My Parents Promised Meis Harvey Pekar’s final exploration of his conflict over the history of Israel, as illuminated by JT Waldman’s protean art. This is their Jewish Book of Hours.”—Dean Haspiel, artist ofThe QuitterandCuba: My Revolution“One part history lesson, one part autobiography, and all Harvey Pekar,Not the Israel My Parents Promised Meis an insightful look at one of the burning topics of our time. With Pekar’s scholarship and humor and JT Waldman’s stylistically varied art, this graphic book is visually entertaining and highly informative.”—Peter Kuper, artist ofThe Metamorphosis