Graphic Novels

Ever since I took a course on "young adult literature" in library school and read Maus I, I've loved to find good graphic novels. I mentioned one recently here, Persepolis, and now someone recommended another, The Arrival, by Shaun Tan.

This one is about the process of leaving your home and family to seek fortune in a new country where you don't know the language, the buildings and customs are altogether different - even the animals (pets and wildlife) are unrecognizable. The universal experience of immigration, voluntary or otherwise. I haven't even finished it yet, but am finding myself going over the pages again and again. Love that!

"Persepolis" and our family connection

My first post! Here goes:
Hope you have heard that the film version of Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's marvelous graphic novel about growing up in Iran at the time of the overthrow of the Shah, is in movie theaters across the country. This memoir has particular interest for all of us, since there were some of our very own family members in Iran at that time. They experienced the Iranian people's friendliness to Americans back then, as well as the anxiety and disruption of the overthrow.

The book had a sequel, Persepolis 2, which follows young Marjane as she is sent out of Iran to Europe for her own safety. This definitely has more adult content, but is also well worth reading. The movie version combines material from both books, so get the book(s) at your library or book store, then let's compare notes on the movie!