Paracuellos

Praise

“Carlos Giménez’s PARACUELLOS is, in my opinion, one of the greatest, most profound works ever in the medium. Technically and artistically flawless and the rarest of all testimonials: the memory of the silent children pushed by the wayside of history.  Emotional, potent and engrossing in equal measure, Carlos’ work has inspired me personally in the creation of THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE and PAN’S LABYRINTH. A masterpiece.”  –Guillermo del Toro, Filmmaker

“[In Paracuellos] acclaimed Spanish creator Giménez (b. 1941) depicts brief vignettes from his life and that of other boys who lived in the fascist social aid “homes” that were by turns horrifying, pathetic, and poignant in this first English translation of this work…. These memories of the ease of a society in turning to cruelty against its least members is a cautionary tale for us all.” –Library Journal 

“Giménez’s powerful autobiographical work, a renowned classic in its native Spain, looks at the miserable lives of orphaned children and the offspring of the defeated during the regime of Franco. In short episodes set in the titular state home for boys, Giménez pulls no punches, depicting the unrelentingly bleak day-to-day existence of wide-eyed children who are harshly punished… but nonetheless the boys endure, their small shoulders bearing the weight of a world that cares nothing for them.” –Publisher’s Weekly

“Giménez’ acute moral sensitivity, needle-sharp characterizations and knack for narrative make Paracuellos comparable to Maus and Persepolis. His artwork may surpass them.” -NPR Books