This week, French writer and journalist Sorj Chalandon releases a comic book adaptation of his novel “Retour à Killybegs”, with drawings by Pierre Alary, published by Rue de Sèvres. This is the third time the writer has adapted his works into comics (including “Mon Traître”, the novel that launched the “Retour à Killybegs” sequel).
As a reminder, “Mon Traître” told the story of Antoine, a French luthier, who finds himself plunged into Ireland, at the heart of the Irish-British conflict. He soon develops a passion for the country and meets Tyrone Meehan, an IRA activist with whom he forms a deep friendship… As the years go by, the relationship between the two men seems particularly strong…
Until Antoine discovers that his Irish friend is in fact a traitor, and has returned to British service…
A real shocker, it actually tells the true story of Sorj Chalandon himself, and his betrayed friendship with Denis Donaldson, an IRA member who, after years of struggle, was identified as an agent working on behalf of the UK. The novel tells the story of Antoine’s (Sorj Chalandon’s) dismay and incomprehension, and his pain at having been duped and betrayed by a man he deeply esteemed…
In the sequel “Retour à Killybegs”, Sorj Chalandon decides to take the “traitor’s” point of view. A different vision, which complements that of the first novel, and which attempts to explain how and why Tyrone Meehan came to this terrible betrayal. The second part takes a new look at this “betrayal”: a more humanist and deeper vision, which takes a step-by-step look at the process that turns a man into a traitor and a coward.
The comic is beautifully illustrated by Pierre Alary. The characters take on a different depth, and we enjoy skimming through each panel, feeling as though we’re entering the very heart of this human drama. You’ll discover a Tyrone Meehan undermined, worn out and haunted by his past actions. All against a backdrop of violent conflict.
Don’t hesitate to take a look: this graphic approach brings a fresh perspective to Sorj Chalandon’s masterpieces.
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