📚 Books to Read After Persepolis
Just finished persepolis? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Maus by Art Spiegelman
Rating: 4.38 / 5 (238,000 ratings), Published: 1986
When to read it: When you want to explore a unique perspective on war and its impacts on families.
This graphic novel depicts the author's Jewish father's experiences during the Holocaust by portraying Jews as mice and Nazis as cats. Through striking visuals and profound storytelling, "Maus" offers a poignant exploration of survival, trauma, and the enduring bond between a father and son.
Genres: Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Memoir
After reading: Readers will be left deeply moved by the narrative's emotional depth and thought-provoking portrayal of the lasting effects of historical trauma on future generations.
📘 The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Rating: 4.38 / 5 (83,000 ratings), Published: 2003
When to read it: When you want to delve deeper into Marjane Satrapi's captivating journey.
This omnibus edition combines both volumes of Satrapi's graphic memoir, offering a comprehensive exploration of her coming-of-age in Iran amidst revolution and war. Through her distinctive style and candid storytelling, Satrapi invites readers to reflect on themes of identity, family, and resilience.
Genres: Graphic Novel, Autobiography, Cultural
After reading: Readers will gain a richer understanding of Satrapi's experiences and find inspiration in her courageous voice and unflinching portrayal of personal and political challenges.
📘 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Rating: 4.30 / 5 (2,384,000 ratings), Published: 2003
When to read it: When you crave a poignant tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.
Set in Afghanistan, this gripping novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, against the backdrop of a changing society plagued by conflicts. Hosseini masterfully weaves a narrative that explores guilt, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love.
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Cultural
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the complexities of human relationships and the capacity for redemption amidst the harsh realities of a divided world.
📘 Aya by Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie
Rating: 4.08 / 5 (10,000 ratings), Published: 2005
When to read it: When you yearn for a vibrant and heartwarming slice-of-life narrative.
Set in Ivory Coast in the 1970s, this graphic novel series follows the adventures of Aya, a young woman navigating family dynamics, friendships, and aspirations in a bustling community. Through its colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, "Aya" offers a delightful blend of humor, charm, and cultural insights.
Genres: Graphic Novel, Slice of Life, Coming-of-Age
After reading: Readers will feel uplifted by Aya's spirited perspective on life, finding joy in the everyday moments and the bonds that shape her world.
📘 Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Rating: 3.81 / 5 (105,000 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: When you seek a lyrical exploration of love, migration, and the search for belonging.
This novel follows the journey of Saeed and Nadia as they flee their war-torn city through mysterious doors that transport them to different parts of the globe. Hamid's evocative prose beautifully captures the complexities of human connections, displacement, and the yearning for a place to call home.
Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance
After reading: Readers will be left pondering the profound impact of borders, displacement, and the universal quest for love and stability in an ever-changing world.