Searching Peace. Jazzy & Bertha von Suttner

Born in a military family, how does Martha turn into a peace activist? She is a fictional character, created by world-famous writer Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914). Bertha was a real person and is the hero of this story. Or is Jazzy our hero? She is a young photographer who investigates her own ideals in today's The Hague. And what was this Bertha actually doing in the city of Peace and Justice?

 The Hague – Stichting Denkroutes and Uitgeverij Syndikaat proudly present their comic book Searching for Peace. Jazzy & Bertha von Suttner.

This freshly illustrated comic brings to life the inspiring story of Bertha von Suttner, a pioneer in the European peace movement and the first female Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1905). Her novel Lay Down Your Arms! gained world fame and helped inspire the First Hague Peace Conference in 1899, 125 years ago.

About the comic book

Searching for Peace. Jazzy & Bertha von Suttner takes readers on a journey through present-day The Hague today, exploring the lasting impact Bertha von Suttner has on the City of Peace and Justice. Young photographer Jazzy is tasked with capturing this impact in a photo shoot and, through reading her novel, discovers how she can stay true to her own ideals. The information file at the back of the comic book provides an accessible introduction to the exciting life and work of Bertha von Suttner and her relevance to the contemporary issues of war and peace.

Inspiring and educational

This comic book is not only a tribute to Bertha von Suttner and her life's work, but also serves as an engaging and useful educational tool for all ages. It addresses dilemmas that we are confronted we in 2025 face daily, encouraging readers to explore social themes such as militarism, gender inequality, violence in the media and entertainment industry, friends making uncomfortable choices, dealing with conflicts and yet finding common ground. This comic book is both  entertaining and light-hearted, making it enjoyable reading it at home and enlightening when using the classroom.

Availability

Searching for Peace. Jazzy & Bertha von Suttner is published in three languages: Dutch, German and English. It can be ordered online at www.syndikaat.nl

80 pages - softcover - € 10.00

Over the authors

The book is the result of a collaboration between Anne Tabak (story), Willem Ritstier (script), Karin Blaauwijkel, Emma Ringelding (comic artists) and Marc de Lobie (publisher). The Bertha-von-Suttner Gymnasium in Oberhausen and the International School of The Hague are the first two partner schools in this peace project. The input of both students and teachers from these schools was key to the approach and content of the comic book.

About the translations

Also published under the Dutch title Op zoek naar vrede and in the German title Auf der Suche nach Frieden.