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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

On the Coffee Table: Riad Sattouf

Title: The Arab of the Future 2: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1984-1985
Writer and Artist: Riad Sattouf
This is the second volume of Sattouf's childhood memoir.  My reflection on the first is here.  The Sattouf family spent 1984-1985 living in Syria, though the book does include one trip back to France to visit the grandparents.

The insights into Syrian life are interesting: the differences between urban and rural society in the Arab world, the status of women in a traditional family, schools, etc.  The book is good but not exactly gripping.  I'm curious about Riad's world but there's no strong, broader story to latch onto.  I want more of a reason to care than I'm getting.  There is a third volume out now that covers 1985-87.  I think I'll take a pass, at least for now.
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4 comments:

  1. Andrew LeonJune 13, 2018 at 10:53 AM

    Even with a memoir, you have to be telling some kind of story.

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    1. The Armchair SquidJune 13, 2018 at 11:30 AM

      Agreed. It's really not fair to compare every graphic novel memoir to Persepolis but it's also hard to avoid it. Her story is compelling AND the cultural perspective is enriching. It makes the difference between a must-read of the genre and a more peripheral work.

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  2. Lisa SouthardJune 14, 2018 at 6:01 AM

    One to put on a library list, rather than the bookshelf, perhaps. I like insights into other cultures but agree that a bigger story is the structure needed to carry multiple volumes.

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    1. The Armchair SquidJune 14, 2018 at 9:54 AM

      Agreed. Exoticism alone is not enough. I do appreciate Sattouf's earthy feel but need more story.

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