THE STRONGEST MAN IN THE WORLD

An air of Gallic melancholy tinges this graphic-style, fictionalized memoir. Cyr, a Québécois circus performer of the late-19th century, whose feats of strength still are seldom equaled, looks back from the twilight of his career to the training and encouragement received as a child from a stern grandfather, and then the rise to worldwide fame for such exploits as lifting massive rocks, a draft horse and even a platform holding no fewer than 18 audience volunteers. Rendered in subdued browns, the small but legible panels depict a bulky, gentle man with downcast eyes, surpassing rivals and wowing crowds but always looking as if his mind were elsewhere. From Cyr’s commentary, readers will come to understand that there was technique as well as strength in his art, and the author closes with a value-added thumbnail history, with photos, of Cyr and of sideshow acts in general. A memorable glimpse into the life of a different sort of athlete. (Graphic nonfiction. 7-9)