After a brief break from blogging due to a bit of ennui and malaise, I've realized I suddenly have plenty of things to write about. I should be back to being superblogger immediately. Between my book list and the new television I've been watching, there's pop culture discussion galore sitting in the recesses of my mind.

Today's topic is Book 47, Marjane Satrapi's Embroideries.

Having enjoyed Satrapi's Persepolis and its sequel, Persepolis II, I was really looking forward to her newest graphic novel. Her work is quite unique in that she tells her memoir about her childhood in graphic novel format, allowing for a very emotional impact. You see, Satrapi grew up in Iran, specifically during the time when the country expelled the Shah, Khomeni took over as the Ayatollah, and women and girls were transitioned into being forced to wear veils while in public. Both Persepolis novels are remarkable in that they illustrate life in a land very foreign to most U.S. readers in an accessible, sympathetic manner. Embroideries continues in a similar vein, but is a little more focused on relationships between men and women in that country. While you might believe that the title, "Embroideries" sounds sweet and light, in honesty, it is quite the opposite once you realize what the author is referencing. The book doesn't have the same impact of its predecessors, but with that said, it still packs a punch. It seems humorous and easy-going on its surface, but when you dig a little deeper, you realize just how surprisingly dark the subject matter is.