A great graphic novel of the 1930s and all the secrets and lies of Stalin. Journalism at its best and of course its corruption of power. When it comes to human lives, determination and ultimatums, these are all felt in this graphic novel. Worth the read.
I just reviewed In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones by Andrea Chalupa, Ivan Rodriguez. #IntheShadowofStalinTheStoryofMrJones #NetGalley

Perfect for any history lovers, this graphic novel deals with the relationship between the USSR and Ukraine, and the Holodomor, a "terror famine" that took place in the 1930s and the subsequent coverup. Andrea Chalupa covers this subject expertly and with sensitivity. I have not seen the movie that she has also written on the same subject but found the storyline easy enough to follow anyways. However, this is a subject I was already familiar with. Potentially more background could have been supplied for readers that don't know anything about the USSR.

The artwork in this novel was really interesting because of the use of color; it felt like there was especially a lot of red. The story is depressing but important, and proves the importance of truth and openness. I've read a lot about the atrocities Russia tried to hide over the years, and I feel for the families who never found out what happened to their loved ones. This reporter lost his life trying to expose the truth, making it even more important to keep exposing what is happening. This is such an important story. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

I love stories about journalists, especially during this time period when being a journalist was dangerous in many areas because of the governments they lived under. The tension in this book was clear, and it really showed just how hard journalists had to work to stay alive and not be arrested in the USSR. Books like this show just how important it is for an honest journalist to do their jobs against the harsh government and tell an amazing story of human determination and the importance of the industry that is meant to tell the public the truth.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy for an honest review

I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend and I can’t wait to buy a copy for myself 🙂

Rating 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on true events, this graphic novel follows the attempts of one journalist to find out the truth behind the man made famine in Ukraine, masterminded and hid from the world by Stalin. I had a hard time following the plot, it felt jumpy and disjointed at times, and had a easier time following the story based on the historical notes at the end of the book. I also was not a huge fan of the art style, which was a lot less visually interesting than the cover is. It was hard to tell if the focus was trying to be on the life of the journalist, or on his actions during his investigations, and it was this back and forth that made it not really a fun read for me.

I’m a sucker for an excellent historical graphic novel. I remember when Andrea Chalupa was working on the movie (you should watch it after you read this book), and I’m so glad that Ivan Rodriguez is the artist for this book. His work is perfect, the convey the story.

The story follows Mr. Gareth Jones, a journalist with connections, who got a chance to interview Hitler and Goebbels. He also uses these connections to travel to the Soviet Union to attempt to interview Stalin. He gets trapped in Moscow while seeking the truth to tell the world.

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press.

I highly recommend this graphic novel. It was an unflinching and heartbreaking portrayal of Gareth Jones' courageous work exposing the truth about Stalin and Ukraine. Even though the content is essentially the same as the movie Mr. Jones, this medium will likely bring it to a larger audience; I could see it being used in schools in a graphic novel unit alongside works like Persepolis. The art style was great, though occasionally I found it difficult to tell what was going on until I took a second or third look; that's probably just because I do not read too many graphic novels. The writing was clear and to-the-point, and the story addresses themes and questions that are just as relevant and urgent today as they were in the 1930s. Anyone seeking to understand the Soviet Union, the origins of the Cold War, or the origins of the situation in Ukraine today should read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC. This review contains my honest opinions. I will post this review on Goodreads and Amazon closer to the book's publication.

Fascinating historical graphic novel about man-made famines in the 1930s Soviet Union and especially Ukraine. An interesting look in how Stalin treated people and manipulated the west in his favor. Great read.

This graphic novel exists on the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the full story, the individuals involved, and the larger context of the Soviet Union. I’m familiar with the history and even I found this book a bit confusing at times. The art was really great but the story itself was a bit lackluster. There’s too much history and nuance to this real life story that was glossed over due to the brief nature of a graphic novel.

Overall I enjoyed it but I’m not sure who I would recommend it to.