the graphic novel that’s now a major motion picture. i’ve known of the two volumes (now reissued as one) of this story for years now, but never got around to reading it. i’m sorry to say that it took the movie to get my interest up enough to read it. frankly, i though it would be a bit much of a downer. i know that sounds lame, but it’s hard to go into a book, knowing its going to make you sad for much of it. however, the movie trailer got me thinking that perhaps my perception was wrong. which turned out to be true.

yes, there were some sad moments, a lot of political angst and other such things, but in the end i thoroughly enjoyed it. it gave me a view of iran that i didn’t even know i was looking for. coming of age in that area, in that time period gave the author a unique perspective. i love the fact that she drew the entire thing herself, her art is understated and powerful. it is simple enough to suck you in quickly so you are quite unprepared for the powerful nature of the subject matter.

started: march 20th
finished: march 22nd