November 13, 2015 is a date that remains engraved in the memory of many French people. That day, a series of terrorist attacks hit Paris, leaving 130 people dead and 350 injured. Among the survivors is Bahareh Akrami, a designer who was present in a Parisian bar that was targeted.
Eight years after this tragic event, Bahareh Akrami published a graphic novel entitled “We would have liked to know”, in which she recounts her experience of the trial of the perpetrators of the attacks. This book offers a unique look at the historical hearings, mixing intense moments and sometimes even humor in the face of the absurdity of the situation.
In his graphic novel, Bahareh Akrami brings to life through his drawings the different stages of the trial, from the arrest of the suspects to the final conviction. It thus offers the reader the opportunity to delve into the heart of this trying period and understand the issues and emotions that surrounded these hearings.
Far from being a simple testimony, “We would have liked to know” is also a reflection on resilience and reconstruction after collective trauma. Bahareh Akrami describes her own way of overcoming this ordeal, using her drawing talent to transform her experience into a work of art.
This graphic novel is therefore both a tribute to the victims of the attacks of November 13, 2015 and a way to share a personal story of resilience. It highlights the importance of art and creative expression in overcoming trauma and finding a way to rebuild.
In summary, “We would have liked to know” is a poignant graphic novel which offers a unique testimony on the attacks of November 13, 2015. Through his drawings and his story, Bahareh Akrami plunges us into the heart of the perpetrators’ trial, while transmitting a message of resilience and reconstruction. A book to discover to better understand the impact of such events on society and on the individuals who are directly affected by them.