Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Phew! That was a lot to take in. I wasn’t expecting “Genetics at Heart” by Philippe Amouyel to be an exhaustive look at human DNA and genetic testing, especially considering it’s presented in the format of a graphic novel with just 176 pages. While I was anticipating a more personal memoir with genetics as a primary theme, this novel instead serves as an almost textbook-like explainer on how genes work.
Although there does exist a semblance of a story in the novel, it revolves around a geneticist’s daughter who undergoes genetic testing and discovers something that brings her anguish. As a result, her father takes up the task of explaining how the test results should be interpreted with caution. He starts with an interesting case of how a cop attempts to solve the mystery of a decades old corpse found at a site by construction workers. And then the anecdotal tales keep rolling in, accompanied by numerous text-heavy scientific insights into the wonders and perils of DNA testing.
The beautifully drawn illustrations by Héloïse Chochois are inviting and make the learning experience enjoyable for those who are curious about genetics. Even with just a basic understanding of genetics, this graphic novel provides readers with a lot of food for thought, offering a deeper perspective on what genetic testing can reveal, going beyond the superficial and fun-looking “know your ancestry” videos often found online.
The protagonist represents people who often feel the need to “find themselves” and believe that an ancestry test might fill a void within them. However, her father painstakingly explains that some things are best left untouched unless absolutely necessary. For instance, a DNA test to aid doctors in finding a better cure for a life-threatening disease you’ve been diagnosed with is valuable. On the other hand, taking a DNA test just for fun, only to discover you are more prone to cancer, could lead to a lifetime of living in anxiety.
Many panels in the novel are overwhelmingly filled with information, while there are others that showcase gorgeous illustrations with very little text. The creators attempt to strike a balance between the informational aspects and emotional story elements in the novel. However, in the end, it leans more towards a comic book-like textbook vibe rather than a traditional graphic novel.
If you’ve ever been interested in getting a genetic test done, do consider picking up this graphic novel as a beginner’s guide. It’s a 4 on 5 from me.