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carlylwbug's review
3.0
I normally don't read graphic novels. Growing up I enjoyed using my imagination to picture what was happening in books. I never really liked watching movie after reading the books either, there is only so much special effects can do to match the images you can have in your head.
That being said, I've been struggling this year to sit down and actually put time toward reading. I only read one novel this summer and barely made it to the library. The start of the school year has been even more busy. So I've diverted most of my attention to graphic novels as a new way of relaxation, without having to delve into a huge amount of text to read.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel and reflecting on a book I read so long ago. I liked the graphics and the ease of the story.
That being said, I've been struggling this year to sit down and actually put time toward reading. I only read one novel this summer and barely made it to the library. The start of the school year has been even more busy. So I've diverted most of my attention to graphic novels as a new way of relaxation, without having to delve into a huge amount of text to read.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel and reflecting on a book I read so long ago. I liked the graphics and the ease of the story.
suzannedix's review
5.0
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous in this heartbreaking graphic novel. I’ve never read the original story by Deborah Ellis but now definitely need to. And I completely understand why all the kids are asking for me to have a book two in the library because this definitely leaves you wondering what happens to Parvana’s family. Such a powerful story.
daydreamangel18's review
3.0
A short graphic novel that was educational and interesting, but perhaps a little too short. I've seen the trope of girls pretending to be boys many times before, so the concept is not the most original, though perhaps still fitting in this context. I feel like it's an important read, even if just to get a sense of daily life in Afghanistan. I will get to the rest of the series someday - but I am in no hurry.
roguemultiverse's review
3.0
Overall I liked the story of this graphic novel. Parvana must pose as a boy, Aatish, to provide for her family and attempt to rescue her father. She states to a friend, “I’m not a boy and I’m not a girl”, which is relatable as a genderqueer person. The friend also used to live as a girl and now lives as a boy, but to me the friend scanned as trans rather than disguised since he seemed to be comfortable with his chosen name and identity. Parvana shows a lot of determination and perseverance and is adaptable when confronted with many challenges.
However, there were times the story seemed rushed and like I was missing info. As this is not originally a graphic novel but is adapted from a movie that is based on a chapter novel, I imagine either of those formats may have had better pacing.
The artwork in this is beautiful and is by Cartoon Saloon which also was involved in The Secret of Kells. But the font and formatting of the text left a lot to be desired to me. The font didn’t fit that well to me but worse was the spacing. There were so many times that there were either too many spaces, or too few (to zero) spaces between words that it was distracting. There were also some typos.
This was a quick read for me, about 40 minutes, which was part of the appeal of picking it, but I probably would have enjoyed the movie more and will probably check it out sometime since I’ve liked the other movies I’ve seen by this studio.
However, there were times the story seemed rushed and like I was missing info. As this is not originally a graphic novel but is adapted from a movie that is based on a chapter novel, I imagine either of those formats may have had better pacing.
The artwork in this is beautiful and is by Cartoon Saloon which also was involved in The Secret of Kells. But the font and formatting of the text left a lot to be desired to me. The font didn’t fit that well to me but worse was the spacing. There were so many times that there were either too many spaces, or too few (to zero) spaces between words that it was distracting. There were also some typos.
This was a quick read for me, about 40 minutes, which was part of the appeal of picking it, but I probably would have enjoyed the movie more and will probably check it out sometime since I’ve liked the other movies I’ve seen by this studio.
byarsjp's review
4.0
4.5 stars! This graphic novel was amazing but a heart breaking reality. I'm so glad I found this graphic novel because I was interested in reading this series.
editrix's review against another edition
This is a graphic novel based on the animated movie based on the original novel, and it’s almost too short and vague to leave an impression. This might work as a keepsake for kids who are fans of the movie, but otherwise there’s not much to it. The original novel is devastating in its specificity and well worth your time.
mirandabetz's review
4.0
I really like this! I picked it up at my local library, honestly unaware of the original novel or the animated movie. So, I had no expectations going into it. That being said, it was still a powerful, albeit short, graphic novel. It gives a great glimpse of the hardships Afghan citizens, women in particular, faced under the Taliban rule. I’ll definitely be starting the series of novels to get a deeper look into Parvana’s story.
murakamimami's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Just meh.