By
– September 1, 2011
Martin Lemelman’s rich graphic memoir is based on his recollections of growing up in a Brooklyn, New York neighborhood in the 1950’s and 60’s. Drawing on memories and recordings of his mother and father (see his other graphic memoir, Mendel’s Daughters), Two Cents Plain traces Lemelman’s path to manhood. His restrained images give the book its soul; with a combination of spare drawings, artifacts, and photographs, he evokes intense feelings of nostalgia.
Lemelman’s story, while not unique, does contain truly unique elements. He grew up in a typical Brooklyn Jewish neighborhood, where his parents and brother ran a candy store, “Teddy’s Candy Store,” which was stocked with comic books, novelty toys, fake engagement rings, light bulbs, a variety of strange items, and a delicious egg cream made behind the counter. But as the years passed, the neighborhood changed dramatically and the “Jewish” stores began to disappear. By 1968, with Teddy’s as the last “Jewish” store on the block, Lemelman’s world was altered forever when a black youth robbed the store by holding a knife to Lemelman’s mother’s throat.
Through Lemelman’s strong narrative voice and spare images, Two Cents Plain is a haunting and unforgettable black and white encounter with the past.
Lemelman’s story, while not unique, does contain truly unique elements. He grew up in a typical Brooklyn Jewish neighborhood, where his parents and brother ran a candy store, “Teddy’s Candy Store,” which was stocked with comic books, novelty toys, fake engagement rings, light bulbs, a variety of strange items, and a delicious egg cream made behind the counter. But as the years passed, the neighborhood changed dramatically and the “Jewish” stores began to disappear. By 1968, with Teddy’s as the last “Jewish” store on the block, Lemelman’s world was altered forever when a black youth robbed the store by holding a knife to Lemelman’s mother’s throat.
Through Lemelman’s strong narrative voice and spare images, Two Cents Plain is a haunting and unforgettable black and white encounter with the past.
Gary Katz received an MA in English from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He is the library administrator for the Kripke Jewish Federation Library in Omaha, Nebraska, one of the largest Judaica libraries in the United States.
