Reviews

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

byarsjp's review against another edition

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 against another edition

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

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. 

carroq's review against another edition

4.0

This is a nice little story. It follows a young girl in Afghanistan that steps up to be the breadwinner for her family when her father is sent to prison. It highlights some of the struggles that children, particularly girls, face in that part of the world. I found it to be hopeful with the way it ends, but heartbreaking for the things that the characters have to endure. The art was okay. I don't think it was bad. It just didn't really appeal to me.

jellypbelly's review against another edition

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.

annebelle's review

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

3.25

tcbueti's review against another edition

3.0

Evidently (I read the original a long time ago) this changes major plot points: Mrs. Weera isn't there to help, and Parvana goes alone to find her father. There's also a former student (now Taliban follower) of her father menacing them. Also less nuanced/more stereotypical in terms of the characterization of men in Afghanistan.
So readers of the original may be disappointed, but for those who are curious about other childhoods, this might be an entree to the original book.

storyphile's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

meubanks's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0