LIBERATED

A graphic biography of a queer Jewish writer and artist.

Born in France in 1894, a time of intense anti-Jewish sentiment, Lucy Schwob felt different—and not just for physically taking after their Jewish father’s side of the family and having an institutionalized mother. Sent to England for boarding school, Lucy got an education typically reserved for boys. When Lucy met Suzanne Malherbe, the two young people fell in love and began a lifetime of artistic collaboration. In 1914, they published a book under their new names, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore. The couple used art to challenge social norms and explore gender presentation and expression. In 1937, they moved to Jersey, hoping for a quieter life, but when German troops occupied the island, they were faced with a choice: cooperate or resist. They used their writing talents to spread subversive messages and stoke discontent among the German soldiers. A powerful representation of gender diversity and queerness in history, this graphic biography serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ folks have always existed (“Masculine? Feminine? It depends on the situation. Neuter is the only gender that always suits me”) and that as long as there’s been oppression, there has been resistance. Illustrations in black, white, and periwinkle inspired by the artists’ work imbue the story with whimsy and dreaminess and cleverly incorporate photos of them and their art.

An uplifting portrayal of the beauty of diversity and courage in the face of oppression.