I never thought I’d be saying this but, I love graphic novels. At least I like the ones I’ve read, French Milk, Britten and Brulightly and now Embroideries. Just like other books, each one is unique with it’s own plot, characters, and style of writing. Because they are graphic, the art work is unique too.
Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi was fun. This one felt like a comic book for grown women. Set in Iran, it’s the story of a group of multi-generational women who are sharing their lives after lunch. This is one of their favorite activities. As grandma says, “To speak behind other’s backs is the ventilator of the heart.”
The conversation is about other women and, it all revolves around men and sex. The words ribald humor fits this book so, if that bothers you, you may want to skip this one.
The women seem to have a wide variety of sexual experience or know others who do. They talk about how a woman can have her virginity restored. One woman tells a story of why it’s not so bad to be a mistress to a married man. There is the tale of how one woman escaped an arranged marriage and other tales as well.
The women’s conversation was both hilarious and interesting. It changed my idea of women I see dressed completely in black. I could easily identify with the author, her mother, grandmother, aunts, and friends. The women were loving and sophisticated. They drew me right in.
The drawings were simple black ink drawings. See a sample on the book-cover above. I especially liked the expressions on their faces. I didn’t have a problem reading the words that I did in the other two books. The printing was clear and easy to read. A good example of the genre.
Thanks to Beth Fish Reads for recommending this book. (Her review is here.) I borrowed it from the library but it is available at Amazon. (I am an Amazon Associate.)
My next graphic novel? I heard about a new one – action/adventure story coming from Janet Evanovich. This one is set to come out in a couple of months – after her next Stephanie Plum novel. I’m willing to give it a chance.
I’ve read a grand total of three graphic novels, too, and I’ve enjoyed each one of them. My favorite has been Ethel & Ernest by Raymond Briggs (of The Snowman fame). Embroideries is on my list.
Wasn’t this book amazing? Such a mix of humor and sadness. I too never thought I would love the graphic format. I’m going to have to track down Britten and Brulightly and JoAnn’s recommendation of Ethel & Ernest. I’ll be checking back to see what other people recommend. I know I have Stitches and Blankets on my list.
You must read her other two books Persepolis 1 and 2. They are all about her life growing up in Iran and they are fabulous.
I’m not such a fan of them, but if you can get a hold of any by Shaun Tan, he has pretty amazing drawings. Oh, and with JoAnn, I do love everything by Raymond Briggs. His graphic novel “When the Wind Blows” is one of my favorite books ever! In fact, I may reread it, thus inspired by you! :–)
I loved Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and have been wanting to read this ever since I finished it. I’m glad to see you enjoyed this. I’ve found that I really enjoy graphic memoirs. It’s funny that Jill (rhapsody) mentioned Shaun Tan because I just read Tales from Outer Suburbia and loved it.
Great recommendation, I’ll have to check it out from our library (my favorite source for books)! I read her other graphic novel, Persepolis and really liked it! They made that into a movie, perhaps you’ve read this one too.
I really need to get into more graphic novels. So far I’ve only read one.
Thanks for reviewing this one Margot…I love Satrapi and now I must read this one!!
I am still yet to read Satrapi’s work, but I really enjoyed the film adaptation of Persepolis. If you’re interested in graphic novels, feel free to have a look at the offerings from Campfire here – http://www.campfire.co.in.
I tried to find one for the last 24hr read a thon BUT I could only find comic’s and super hero stories. lol Not what I would want to read.
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