What Exactly is a "Non-Fiction Novel?"

The term "non-fiction graphic novel" seems to contradict itself. In one sense, we hear "novel" and immediately go straight to the fantastic realm of literature where there are no limits and storytelling becomes a way to escape the real world. But then, let's throw the term "non-fiction" in there. Excuse me? A classic oxymoron. In my opinion, it is the best kind. As an avid reader, I have read everything from dystopian fiction to the most gushy romance novels. However, the books that pulled me in the most always had some sort of relatable element that really put me in the shoes of the main character. I thrive off of having something realistic to give me a better sense of what each character goes through. Non-fiction graphic novels do that for me. In stories like Maus by Art Spiegelman and A Contract with God by Will Eisner, I find myself entering an entirely new world that seems all too familiar. These graphic novels allow for the re-telling of very personal, traumatic events in a way that is fresh and brings story-telling to life. We tend to think of graphic novels as a medium for extraordinary tales of superheroes and crime fighting action. But not for these novels. Maus and A Contract with God both use the graphic novel medium in order to intensify their respective worlds in a way that places the reader in the exact time and place of these stories. The use of images to explain their backgrounds is exactly what allows for their stories to be relatable and more remarkable. It makes the reader pay attention. One thing I'd like to point out here is that both comics utilize black and white in their illustrations. In my opinion, this is done in order to commentate on the poverty in each situation and how that affected each author. As mentioned in Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud, the simplification of the design contributes to the way we perceive a story. A Contract with God does seem to use more realistic design, while Maus clearly uses animal personification to tell the story. However both use their art to grasp the reader's attention and draw them closer and closer. Each author creates a sense of familiarity between himself and his audience. All in all, I think that "non-fiction novels" are an overlooked genre. Is there a better way to connect with stories of our past than to tell them from unique, engaging perspectives?

Eisner, Will. A Contract with God. W.W. Norton & Co., 2006.

McCloud, Scott. Understanding Comics: the Invisible Art. Simon Fraser University Library, 2018.

Spiegelman, Art. Maus. Pantheon Books, 1992.

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