The Courage of Elfina

Author: Andre Jacob

Illustrator: Christine Delezenne

Publisher: Toronto: Lorimer Children's and Teens 2019

A brief graphic novel hybrid that creates a relatable character for teens and young adults. The story of Elfina guides readers to consider the personal plight behind important social justice subjects. First-person prose portrays Elfina's thoughts during her lonely enslavement.The topics of modern slavery, child labour, human trafficking and child abuse are explored. 

Twelve year old Elfina moves in with her aunty with the promise of attending a better school. She leaves behind her home where she lived with her Grandma in a Paraguayan village. Elfina's life takes a turn when her aunty's family move to Montréal, Canada and take away her passport. She finds herself forced into domestic servitude with no opportunity to attend school. Elfina grows the courage to escape after her uncle makes sexual advances towards her. 

The predominantly black and white illustrations combine small and large panels that parallel the juxtaposition of Elfina's stifling world and her fantasies of escape. In one illustration, an imaginary stallion emerges from the washing machine. Two colour illustrations awash with movement and section breaks mark the changing seasons. A recurring map of the park she travels through for grocery shopping, epitomizes Elfina's urge to escape to a freedom that feels so close.

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Illustrator's website