Review by Ian Keogh
Lauren Tarshis creates historical dramas by constructing stories around tempestuous times or incidents. To most adults the damage hurricane Katrina inflicted on New Orleans is within living memory, but to anyone born this century who lived outside the affected area it’s history, and it’s younger readers who’re the series audience.
The viewpoint at the centre of the storm is that of Barry Tucker, first seen clinging to a floating log as the current carries him wherever. It’s a signature technique for Tarshis to begin her stories in the middle of the action, establishing a life-threatening situation, before moving back in time to explain circumstances leading to that moment. Barry is showing his latest superhero drawing to a friend, intending to enter it in a competition when his father announces the family will comply with the order to evacuate New Orleans before the hurricane arrives.
As with previous books, Georgia Ball supplies a sympathetic transition from young adult novel to graphic novel, but doesn’t receive a cover credit for her efforts. Via Tarshis, she efficiently establishes rounded personalities, enabling readers to invest in their fate, and hangs a sense of dread over them via the reader’s knowledge of what’s coming. While intending to evacuate, impossible traffic conditions and Barry’s little sister falling ill ensure the Tucker family remain in New Orleans.
The first couple of I Survived graphic novels featured less than desirable art, but that’s been rectified since, and Alvin Epps is the finest artist on the series to date. He has an enviably delicate line, finely used for emotional resonance, and is more than capable of conveying the danger when it strikes.
Mr and Mrs Tucker are shown as practical and as prepared as they can be, but the family are taken by surprise when the force of floodwater just bursts through their house. It’s halfway through before we return to the opening scene of Barry alone, having been blown from the house roof. There’s no cheating with a quick rescue, and a clever use of elements introduced before the flood starts results in a very human story with a strong emotional undercurrent. Tarshis also supplies dangers those who’ve not experienced anything similar might not consider. Barry first has to avoid an entire wooden house moving fast toward him, then watch out for glass carried by him at speed.
Solid art and a real heart-tugger of a story make this the best of the series to date. The bonus material reveals just how personal the events were for Epps, and while including pictures of what happened, Tarshis doesn’t give the authorities who failed the city an easy ride. Next is I Survived the Great Chicago Fire.
