Exit Wounds

Rutu Modan’s Exit Wounds follows Koby and Numi as they search for Koby’s dad who has disappeared. Koby has a strained relationship with his father since his mother passed away. Numi dated Koby’s father, Gabriel, for a time, but Gabriel has ghosted her. In his search for his father, Koby learns more about himself as he has to confront his emotional blocks surrounding love and family. 

In addition to the family elements of the novel, the text addresses the ongoing violence in Israel, even though it does so obliquely. The fact that all of the characters are unphased by the numerous bombings across the country and the ease of which they confuse them demonstrates some of the realities of living with ongoing terrorism. The text explores a world of ambiguity with many bodies remaining unclaimed after terrorism attacks. The characters also experience emotional highs and lows as they realize the answers they are looking for aren’t to the right questions. 

Modan’s art style is minimalist for the most part. Her characters have simplified facial elements, leaving readers to interpret small changes in eyes and wrinkles to understand the characters’ emotions. These minimalist elements add to the sense of ambiguity and repressed emotions.