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thebobsphere's review against another edition
5.0
Probably I have mentioned this many times on the blog but immigration stories fascinate me, mainly because I can relate to them in some way or another (you can read my ‘about’ section for my story). Just the whole concept of being in another country, not really knowing what your homeland is , or trying to adapt to one’s homeland – as in my case is a topic I never tire of.
Sabba Khan’s graphic novel is all about this topic: Sabba is born in the UK of Pakistani parents and the comic details her conflicts in trying to please her parents and yet attempt to belong to a white skinned society. This is pulled off in many poignant scenes: Sabba Khan rebelling against the headscarf, enrolling in art school, her conflicts with the patriarchal society, even after an encounter with Pakistan immigrants leave her debating her authenticity.
The drawings are heavy with symbolism pertaining to the themes in the book. my personal favourite one describes the difference between fitting in and belonging while the author is trying to fit into a box. It’s worth noting the art style changes according to the situation, beautiful two page spreads also share space with blurred lines.
The Roles we Play won the Jhalak Prize , which is a book award for people of colour, this year, also the first time a graphic novel has done so. Roles is a rich , mind expanding piece of work that just has to be read. Whether one is an immigrant or not, this book focuses on identity , and in one poignant bit towards the end, it does state that gender, race, colour etc are all social constructs and that it is our individuality which counts – something I agree with wholly.
Sabba Khan’s graphic novel is all about this topic: Sabba is born in the UK of Pakistani parents and the comic details her conflicts in trying to please her parents and yet attempt to belong to a white skinned society. This is pulled off in many poignant scenes: Sabba Khan rebelling against the headscarf, enrolling in art school, her conflicts with the patriarchal society, even after an encounter with Pakistan immigrants leave her debating her authenticity.
The drawings are heavy with symbolism pertaining to the themes in the book. my personal favourite one describes the difference between fitting in and belonging while the author is trying to fit into a box. It’s worth noting the art style changes according to the situation, beautiful two page spreads also share space with blurred lines.
The Roles we Play won the Jhalak Prize , which is a book award for people of colour, this year, also the first time a graphic novel has done so. Roles is a rich , mind expanding piece of work that just has to be read. Whether one is an immigrant or not, this book focuses on identity , and in one poignant bit towards the end, it does state that gender, race, colour etc are all social constructs and that it is our individuality which counts – something I agree with wholly.
verityeleanor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
thepageandthestage's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Perfectly distilled complex topics and emotions into understandable metaphors that made the concepts relatable and eye opening.
oao's review against another edition
5.0
it's weird: the need to fit in to certain boxes for people. so they don't feel threatened.
So you are easily digestible.
Understandable.
Compartmentalisable.
Predictable
Is psychotherapy misogynistic?
Placing all the responsibility on our mothers?
Or are we truly pieces, fragments, extensions of her? As she teaches you what love looks like, what pain, fear, comfort, look like..in those first moments.
The blankest slate, the most pliable clay, your soul at its most innocent.
Is she herself not a reaction, a response to pressures that surround her?
Isn't it too convenient to place the blame for a ruptured identity, a sense of self on her?
She who so tenderly gave up her own?
So you are easily digestible.
Understandable.
Compartmentalisable.
Predictable
Is psychotherapy misogynistic?
Placing all the responsibility on our mothers?
Or are we truly pieces, fragments, extensions of her? As she teaches you what love looks like, what pain, fear, comfort, look like..in those first moments.
The blankest slate, the most pliable clay, your soul at its most innocent.
Is she herself not a reaction, a response to pressures that surround her?
Isn't it too convenient to place the blame for a ruptured identity, a sense of self on her?
She who so tenderly gave up her own?
patty112's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Gorgeous illustrations and deeply touching story, written by a very self-aware author. I had to read this for a uni seminar and absolutely loved it.
alisonannk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Dysphoria, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Colonisation, Hate crime, Body shaming, and Misogyny
Moderate: Classism, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Racism, Islamophobia, Violence, and Racial slurs
camillebergeron's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
everyone should read this book. it’s incredible
tikaw's review against another edition
5.0
The visuals, the story, the truth, I love all the sharpness! I feel the author brought up our problems precisely. Being a Muslimah, an Asian, a sandwich generation, can't stay at the homeland yet not accepted well at the new place, a combination of layered problems people don't dare to talk about. Thank you for this masterpiece, Sabba Khan!