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jennifermreads's review against another edition
2.0
When I picked up this memoir-type graphic novel, I was expecting a bit more of a biographical tale. Instead readers get flashes of memory – which, I guess, technically, is how most of us recall our childhoods. I had hoped for more from this simplistic tale.
violet_primroses's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
3.75
shonaningyo's review against another edition
2.0
I will not lie when I say I was actually disappointed with this book. As this is being typed, I am taking a few courses regarding the history and culture of the Middle East and when I saw this book I thought "Hey, a graphic novel about one of the many skirmishes that took place there! This will enhance my world view!"
But it didn't.
Not at all.
This story may be biographical and supposedly about Beirut, but it tells the reader [b]nothing[/b] about the motives behind the war and attacks, the "players" (governments, factions, armies, resistances? What?), the death toll or casualties, or even a timeline of the whole thing. It was basically a short story of the author's life and the war in Beirut just happened to occur, but it was only hinted at. It was actually written very optimistically and light-heartedly to the point that I thought "Was this war actually that bad, because I'm seeing nothing of the horrors that a conflict labeled a 'war' would typically bring".
Apparently there was a conflict between Christians and Muslims that sparked this war. Nothing regarding religion was ever mentioned or hinted at. Honestly, it read like a slice of life story with a silly narrator. I closed the book learning nothing more than when I had first began reading it.
Maybe for those who are well-versed in this conflict or perhaps have experienced it, this is a nice light in what may have been a trying and horrific time in their lives. For someone like me, a person who was curious enough about the subject matter to read it in hopes of educating herself on the ordeal, it didn't do anything but slightly annoy me at its lack of information.
If you want to read a graphic/illustrated biography of someone who lived in a trying time in the Middle East, by all means read [b:Persepolis|9522|Persepolis, Volume 1 (Persepolis, #1)|Marjane Satrapi|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375777630s/9522.jpg|25686510] by Marjane Satrapi. She does it right.
But it didn't.
Not at all.
This story may be biographical and supposedly about Beirut, but it tells the reader [b]nothing[/b] about the motives behind the war and attacks, the "players" (governments, factions, armies, resistances? What?), the death toll or casualties, or even a timeline of the whole thing. It was basically a short story of the author's life and the war in Beirut just happened to occur, but it was only hinted at. It was actually written very optimistically and light-heartedly to the point that I thought "Was this war actually that bad, because I'm seeing nothing of the horrors that a conflict labeled a 'war' would typically bring".
Apparently there was a conflict between Christians and Muslims that sparked this war. Nothing regarding religion was ever mentioned or hinted at. Honestly, it read like a slice of life story with a silly narrator. I closed the book learning nothing more than when I had first began reading it.
Maybe for those who are well-versed in this conflict or perhaps have experienced it, this is a nice light in what may have been a trying and horrific time in their lives. For someone like me, a person who was curious enough about the subject matter to read it in hopes of educating herself on the ordeal, it didn't do anything but slightly annoy me at its lack of information.
If you want to read a graphic/illustrated biography of someone who lived in a trying time in the Middle East, by all means read [b:Persepolis|9522|Persepolis, Volume 1 (Persepolis, #1)|Marjane Satrapi|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375777630s/9522.jpg|25686510] by Marjane Satrapi. She does it right.
candelibri's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
3.0
I think this is more of a good first step to intrigue the reader to look more closely into what happened in Beirut and Lebanon bc I did not leave with any further information other than the conflict made refugees of its citizens and that what most conflicts result in. However this is the way that the author found best to portray her lived experience so who am I to “judge” it?
For those who are deciding whether or not to read it - do! It is a quick read, it introduces you to many interesting characters and will propel you to continue reading about Lebanon. Just realize most of what is given is short snapshot memories.
For those who are deciding whether or not to read it - do! It is a quick read, it introduces you to many interesting characters and will propel you to continue reading about Lebanon. Just realize most of what is given is short snapshot memories.
jessseadoesstuff's review against another edition
5.0
This should be required reading. Memories of a child at a time of war when things were unsafe. Growing up with that being the normal. The joy in cartoons but having a bagged always packed to flee. Heartbreaking. I plan on rereading this soon and hops more people take time to reflect on this work.
dajna's review against another edition
3.0
Per certi versi ricorda [b:Persepolis|9440094|Persepolis|Marjane Satrapi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449697740s/9440094.jpg|13344769], della Satrapi: una donna, libanese rifugiatasi a Parigi, ricorda la sua infanzia sotto a guerra. A stupire può essere il fatto che i ricordi siano positivi: il padre che ascolta la musica a tutto volume, il parrucchiere che si accanisce sui suoi capelli ricci, persino il venditore di cherosene che passa per le strade con il suo carretto per vendere un po' di carburante alla gente rimasta senza corrente a una connotazione positiva. Fintanto che la famiglia resta unita, la paura resta a bada.