Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi

Review by Pilar Canón Ríos

The Short:

Different stories and experiences of an intergenerational group of Irani women intertwine in this graphic novel that shows, with a touch of humor, the marriages, sexual life, and the concept of ‘virginity’ in Iranian society.

The Long:

Satrapi's novel tells the different realities in the lives of Iranian women through a group of female characters who meet to have tea and talk about their sexual experiences, the concept of marriage, plastic surgery, and even how to fake virginity. The author herself embodies the youngest character in the meeting and listens, in some cases with surprise, to the stories that her relatives and acquaintances relate about their love lives. A book that, despite touching on harsh realities, does so from a humorous point of view and manages to catch the reader’s attention while, also, making them understand the reality of many women.  

To read or not to read:

This book deserves to be read at least once! It is a short and fantastic novel for everyone who is looking for something quick to read. Although you would not need more than 45 minutes to finish it, it is a strong book with a lot to say about women’s sexual freedom and how much women are side-lined and not treated with the respect they deserve.