✦ BLURB ✦
✶ PRE-READING ✶
I was drawn to 17 Martin Street because I’m always intrigued by stories set during wartime, especially when they focus on personal relationships against a backdrop of political turmoil. The idea of a Jewish refugee and the tensions of wartime Dublin felt like a powerful setting for a graphic novel. I was also curious about how the adaptation would balance the historical elements with the visual storytelling.
I hadn’t read the original novel by Marilyn Taylor, but I’m familiar with her historical approach and was interested in how the graphic novel format would amplify the emotional and narrative stakes. I was hoping for a deep exploration of relationships during difficult times and a nuanced portrayal of war-era Dublin, while still being suitable for the reading level.
✶ POST-READING ✶
As I thought... The graphic novel did an excellent job of capturing the historical atmosphere of Dublin during the Emergency and weaving in the personal conflicts of the characters. The art style complemented the gritty, tense undertones of the story - bringing out the beauty of Dublin’s streets while also showing the emotional turmoil the characters face. The relationship between Hetty and Ben is complex, and the book highlights the tension between them beautifully. The art work had a slight Disney feel, something like Oliver and Company, while still being very much its own thing.
It surprised me by... The art really added a layer of depth I didn’t expect. The visual storytelling enhanced the emotional beats, particularly the moments when Hetty and Ben are torn between doing what’s right and the risks they face. The graphic novel format really brought the urgency of Renata’s situation to life in a way that made the stakes feel immediate.
I was able to very briefly talk to Alan Nolan, the writer who created the script for the graphic novel. It sounds like it was an interesting process, condensing Marilyn's story and deciding what to keep and what to adapt out! Alan was full of praise for Jason, insisting that the whole project was his idea and that it wouldn't have happened without him.
✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
Book Recommendation:
If you liked 17 Martin Street, I’d recommend The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Both stories explore the human side of wartime experiences, focusing on the relationships between children and the adults around them during such turbulent times.
TV or Movie Recommendation:
The film The Pianist would resonate with readers of this graphic novel. It similarly explores themes of survival, secretive actions during wartime, and the emotional struggles of characters caught in extraordinary circumstances.
✧ VIBE CHECK ✧
A colour palette:
Muted shades of olive, grey, and earthy brown with flashes of warm amber and cool blues, evoking both the everyday life of wartime Dublin and the tension beneath the surface.
A soundtrack:
Sparse piano melodies with occasional string arrangements - minimalist, somber, with a hint of hopefulness beneath.
A season:
Autumn, when the weather is turning cold, and the sense of change is both exhilarating and threatening.
A mood:
Quietly defiant, urgent, and filled with a mix of fear and courage.
A scent:
Freshly turned earth mixed with damp stone, with a trace of old paper - like a place that has known hardship, but is still holding on.
★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★
The Hanged Man. This card reflects the central challenge of 17 Martin Street - the characters are forced into situations where they must suspend their own beliefs and priorities for a greater cause. They are in a position of vulnerability and sacrifice, struggling to see the bigger picture while questioning everything around them.
17 Martin Street publishes today, the 28th of April. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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