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A review by thebobsphere
The Roles We Play by Sabba Khan
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.