Liberated: The Radical Art and Life of Claude Cahun

In striking first-person prose, debut creator Rowe chronicles the life of French and Jewish surrealist Claude Cahun (1894–1954)—specifically the gender-fluid artist’s pursuit of autonomy while living in a society where “identity is formed... by a world of men.” Evocative b&w illustrations with lavender accents render Cahun’s experiences being raised by a mother who “struggled with her mental health and held deep-rooted antisemitism in her heart.” Quickly moving graphic novel panels detail Cahun’s adolescent years spent with their paternal grandmother, who educated Cahun about their Jewish heritage, an act that Cahun credits with influencing their chosen name. After meeting their partner Marcel Moore (1892–1972) in 1908, the two settled in Paris, where they collaborated on artistic pursuits that challenged gender binaries. Following the outbreak of WWII, the couple relocated to the island of Jersey, where they created pamphlets denouncing Hitler. Via sensitively wrought dialogue—some of which was lifted from the subject’s own writings—Rowe presents a fascinating portrayal of a figure who directly opposed external expectations and carved a place for themselves within their restrictive upbringing. Archival photos of and taken by Cahun add a historical flair to this contemporary-feeling work. Ages 13–up. (Sept.)