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Safdar Ahmed: Still Alive (GraphicNovel, Twelve Panels Press) 4 stars

In early 2011, Safdar Ahmed visited Sydney’s Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for the first time. …

This graphic novel was a thoughtful and interesting read. It’s very much a documentary recount of key events, but it captures the horrors of Australia’s immigration policy since the 80s, but particularly since 2000. It’s well-researched.

It’s not a strong narrative. It’s not a strong story. But it’s fairly uncompromising in its depictions of the trauma inflicted on human beings.

I’m glad I read it. I’m not likely to teach it with a class, but I might show some excerpts.