Marjane Satrapi

The author relates the story of her great-uncle, Nasser Ali Khan, one of Iran's most acclaimed musicians, who discovers that his beloved instrument has been irrevocably damaged and renounces the world, its pleasures, and life itself.

Chicken with Plums

Sarah Sammis

Nia C

4.5 stars and an A.

I will read anything Marjane Satrapi puts out because her work is full of sharp, insightful humour and thoughts. This one was particularly something - the amount of willpower a human has to end their life (not actively) because of something that happened to them. Satrapi narrates the tale with humour, but at the end you realize how weak and strong humans are at the same time, how we succumb to societal pressure and how much we rely on the people and things we love to continue living.

In "Embroideries," Satrapi rendered the events of her life and times in a uniquely captivating and powerful voice. Now she turns that same keen eye to the heartrending story of her great-uncle, a celebrated Iranian musician who gave up his life for music and love.