Feeling that my knowledge of Spain’s recent history is scanty, I was excited to see this book coming out soon. I’ve grown to appreciate graphic novels, and getting to know an unfamiliar piece of history in a compelling manner is right down my alley. This book turned out to be a fascinating read; a tribute to the author’s mother and her hardscrabble life growing up.

From a historical perspective, this is a masterpiece. It only briefly touches on the war (the main character was too young to have seen or experienced much of the war), but the main historical element dealt with the political climate of the late 1940s through the 1960s. Frankly, some of it was difficult to read; especially the parts about the deep societal divides in the country, and the propaganda that kept it all in place.

The main part of this book is telling a family story. That, too, was difficult, but I’ve come away with deep admiration, both for the author’s willingness to share both the good and bad of his family history, as well as for the people who clung to faith and hope amidst deplorable circumstances.

This is a complicated story, but not hard to read or follow. There were parts I struggled with—I did not like the illustrations of Adam and Eve in the garden; I felt they were too revealing. I also struggled with some of the character’s choices and opinions (such as justifying an affair), even though I know these things happen all the time. It was also hard to read about some of the physical abuse that went on in the home.

Overall, I’m glad I had a chance to read this book, although I doubt I’d read it again. It has brought a part of history to life for me that I’ve never encountered before, and for that, it was a worthwhile read. If I was to give the book a star rating based on illustration and storytelling styles, I’d easily give it five stars, but I feel like I can’t because of some of the content. If I ever have a chance to read another Roca book, however, I would be eager to see what else he does—this one was fascinating!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it. ( )

A partir de una foto familiar de 1946 en la antigua playa de Nazaret de la capital valenciana, Paco Roca dibuja un fresco sobre la España de la posguerra a través de una de aquellas familias humildes –reflejo de la inmensa mayoría de la sociedad que sobrevivía bajo la dictadura franquista–, con serios problemas para acceder al sustento, obligada a acudir por sistema al mercado negro para hacerse a duras penas con una alimentación básica diaria.

Un vigoroso y delicado retrato en cuatricromía de una España de tonos grises y libertades cercenadas por un régimen político caldo de cultivo, igualmente, de la propagación de miserias morales.

Trufada de referentes autobiográficos, Paco Roca da un paso más con Regreso al Edén en su búsqueda de la memoria. Emocional y equilibrada, plena de recursos gráficos y soluciones narrativas de primer nivel, Paco Roca plantea su obra más ambiciosa como creador completo desde Los surcos del azar y La casa.