THE emotive subject of her grandfather's time spent with the Hitler Youth has been tackled by an Isle of Wight author.

Serena Katt is giving readers the opportunity to meet her at Babushka Books in Shanklin next Friday (November 1), as part of a question and answer session to celebrate her inaugural publication.

Sunday’s Child, published by Jonathan Cape, is the first book release from Serena, and is notable for its unrefined pencil illustration and emotive narrative based on her grandfather’s time as part of the Hitler Youth during the Second World War, with sketches based on his photos and historical documents.

Compere for the forthcoming event, Paul Armfield, said: “The book discloses Serena’s struggles to come to terms with her grandfather’s involvement with the Hitler Youth, based on what little information he passed on to her, and her historical research into the movement.

“I’ll be questioning her about the book and the process and background that led to it being published.”

Six years in the making, the graphic novel began life as a graduation project during Serena’s time at the Royal College of Art in 2013.

After taking some time away, she revisited it the following year, when considering taking the self-publishing route. In the process she realised there was far more of the story to tell.

Subsequently Serena spent the next two years mapping out a final draft, before sending it to various publishers and devoting a further year to working on the images.

Serena said: “There are so many layers of trauma, guilt and shame that need unravelling.

"In the case of my grandfather, what I see is that trauma and guilt were very mixed up, one eclipsing the other.

“I don’t believe he would ever have been able, even had he been willing, to really face up to his skeletons.”

Attendance to the event costs £5, and includes a drink on arrival. The event starts at 7pm.

Places can be reserved by contacting Babushka Books on 652880.

Sunday’s Child is available to purchase from the store, and some online book shops, priced at £16.95.

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