author: Riad Sattouf
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/21
date added: 2018/08/21
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Arab of the Future 3: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1985-1987' with story and art by Riad Sattouf is a memoir of the author's childhood. This is the 3rd volume and takes place mostly in Syria.
In a story that has more humor than I was expecting, Riad talks about growing up in Syria with his family. There are stories about his mother constantly trying to get his father to move to France, where she is from. Riad's school seems pretty harsh, with the school master asking the boys to bring in implements for beating them with. Western culture creeps in with the giant toy robot that Riad has his eye on, and the very R-rated 'Conan The Barbarian' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Riad and his cousins like to pretend they are barbarians themselves, unless a bigger kid comes along.
The thing about a memoir like this is that it can show that childhood has some universal themes worldwide. There are moments of terror, parents can fight, and kids find ways to cope with the world around them.
The art was a lot of fun, and fit the story very well. I haven't read the other two volumes, but I'd love to at some point. This one was a very interesting read.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt & Company, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2Busvlv
No comments:
Post a Comment