Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi
I don’t read many graphic novels, but after seeing a few reviews of this one, I knew I had to pick it up. Sartrapi allows us to spend the afternoon with a group of nine Iranian women, relatives, neighbors and friends. We sit in on their discussions of the men they’ve known and loved, known and haven’t loved, relationship choices they’ve made.
Each story is told with humor, but the woman still deal with the reality of not truly having the freedom and independence that I take for granted. The women tell stories of escaping arranged marriages, of faking virginity, of loving men who are married to 
others. Their stories are touching, but for me even more important and universal was the support they gave each other. They didn’t judge, they may have laughed at each other, but they were each still accepted and supported, no matter what decisions they made in life.
The stories also show that women can still manage to have some control over their lives, even in a culture like Iran’s. These women are strong, period, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are. They laugh, they cry, they persevere.
First published in 2003
136 pages
Challenges: 100+, A to Z, Women Unbound
I borrowed my copy from the library and the above is my honest opinion. I am an Amazon associate.
I think I would like to read this one 🙂 I must check at the library
When I think of Iranian women I do automatically think of suppression so it’s interesting to see that they are stronger than perceived.
This is one that interests me… I live for those empowering kind of stories from women around the globe.
Great review!
Great review–I really want to read this. Never read her other book, Persopolis, but loved the film. I plan to check this one out soon! Great write up.
I loved Persepolis by the same author and have been anxious to read this book. I’m glad to see you enjoyed it so much.