Call number
GRAPH N SAT
Collection
Genres
Publication
Pantheon (2006), Edition: y First American edition, 96 pages
Description
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.
Subjects
Media reviews
Nasser is also visited by his children and his brother, thinks about the pleasures of the world — including his favorite dish, which gives the book its title — and reviews old hurts to his reputation and how others treated him. His suicide through neglect is a bit over-glamorized here, but it
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raises important questions of the nature of suffering in art. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member SqueakyChu
Of course, I was impressed with previous graphic novels by Marjane Satrapi, but this particular book has turned out to be my favorite one. I don’t want to tell what this story is about specifically because that would give away the major plot element. Believe me when I say that this book was
I’m not sure if this is a real story, fiction based on a real story, or pure fiction. That really doesn’t matter because the telling of it is fabulous. It’s the story of Marjane’s great uncle Nasser Ali Khan, a musician trapped in a marriage to a woman he did not love and father of four children.
What I like about Satrapi graphic novels is their ability to bring the reader into the tiny bits and pieces of history and culture of Iran asthe author remembers it from her youth. She does not politicize her stories but mentions government changes as part of the cultural landscape of her own family’s life. She talks about a “tar” and then goes on to explain what it is (a musical instrument) and depicts why it was important to her great uncle’s life.
The characters are perfect. She gives each individual not only a strong voice, but a pictured presence that mirrors each person’s personality. Sometimes you almost don’t have to read the dialogue to know what the characters are saying to each other.
Satrapi is a no holds barred author and graphic artist. She likes to “tell it like it is” and often provokes a response by putting some incongruous content into her books (for example, the farting son, the morbidly obese teenage granddaughter, or the grandson with the “fuck” tee shirt). These tiny things, often not necessary, certainly do liven up her books.
In summary, I loved this book and think this one is Marjane Satrapi’s best so far.
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planned and set up perfectly. The cartoon frames will be repeated in the story, but you as the reader will know exactly in what context you first saw them and, later, what they really mean.I’m not sure if this is a real story, fiction based on a real story, or pure fiction. That really doesn’t matter because the telling of it is fabulous. It’s the story of Marjane’s great uncle Nasser Ali Khan, a musician trapped in a marriage to a woman he did not love and father of four children.
What I like about Satrapi graphic novels is their ability to bring the reader into the tiny bits and pieces of history and culture of Iran asthe author remembers it from her youth. She does not politicize her stories but mentions government changes as part of the cultural landscape of her own family’s life. She talks about a “tar” and then goes on to explain what it is (a musical instrument) and depicts why it was important to her great uncle’s life.
The characters are perfect. She gives each individual not only a strong voice, but a pictured presence that mirrors each person’s personality. Sometimes you almost don’t have to read the dialogue to know what the characters are saying to each other.
Satrapi is a no holds barred author and graphic artist. She likes to “tell it like it is” and often provokes a response by putting some incongruous content into her books (for example, the farting son, the morbidly obese teenage granddaughter, or the grandson with the “fuck” tee shirt). These tiny things, often not necessary, certainly do liven up her books.
In summary, I loved this book and think this one is Marjane Satrapi’s best so far.
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LibraryThing member amjansen
Beautiful, but very sad. I think I might like this one best of Satrapi's graphic novels to date, although Embroideries was very lighthearted and fun to read, and Persepolis was certainly educational and moving. A quick read, but very worth it.
LibraryThing member grunin
Brilliant storytelling.
After the excellent Persepolis, Embroideries was a bit of a letdown, maybe because of the lighter material. But this short story is more tightly focused and elegantly laid out than either of those, and packs a surprisingly strong punch when it's over.
After the excellent Persepolis, Embroideries was a bit of a letdown, maybe because of the lighter material. But this short story is more tightly focused and elegantly laid out than either of those, and packs a surprisingly strong punch when it's over.
LibraryThing member nobooksnolife
I can't help but think that author Marjane Satrapi's later works (like this one) will always be measured against her autobiographical Persepolis I and II, and will consequently come up lacking. The graphic novel format is fascinating, and Chicken with Plums made me want to start reading it again to
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confirm the events of the timeline and to appreciate the choices Satrapi made in her narration. What is love? What is art? What is life without art or love? These are some of the main concerns examined briefly here. Show Less
LibraryThing member csmirl
I love Marjane Satrapi’s storytelling, art, and sense of humor. Her graphic novels have put Iran in historical, cultural, and political perspective for me. Chicken With Plums isn’t her best– its story was less meaningful to me, the main character (her great uncle) less accessible. Perhaps
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it’s that Marjane hasn’t put herself into the story, and she was the most likeable part of Persepolis, Persepolis II, and Embroideries. It is because of those titles that I will always be one of the first to grab for anything Satrapi creates (and is translated from the French). Show Less
LibraryThing member TheBonnieG
Not as emotionally resonant as Persopolis and infinitely better than Embroderies, Satrapi shows remarkable sophistication with this effort. The story of her great-uncle who commits suicide by slowly not eating or drinking after he marries a woman who resents his tar playing. By dividing the book
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into chapters/days he lives before he dies is great, as is including the figure of death himself. This is also slightly biographical (with some poetic license), thus his death has an impact that would happen with a fictional character. Show Less
LibraryThing member ValerieAndBooks
Some might think this is a "foodie" book based on the title, but it isn't really. Chickens with plums is the favorite dish of the main character, Nasser Ali Khan — and at one point, he reminisces about this dish — hence the title. Nasser Ali Khan was the author’s great-uncle, and she bases
This novel takes place over the course of eight days. On the first day, Nasser Ali decides to die, so he takes to his bed. He is a musician who plays a stringed instrument, called a tar. Under unhappy circumstances, his tar breaks and is irrepairable (and to him, irreplacable also). Is this why he wants to die? During the week that Nasser Ali is in his bed refusing to eat and drink, the reader experiences conversations he has with his family and friends, flash-backs to Nasser Ali’s past, and his thoughts on what the future without him might hold.
I really empathized with Nasser Ali and the ending of the book (somewhat a surprise) brought tears to my eyes. If you are a Marjane Satrapi fan already, you will appreciate this graphic novel. If you haven’t read her before, it’s not necessary to have read any of her previous graphic novels– it is a stand-alone novel.
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this graphic novel on him. This novel takes place over the course of eight days. On the first day, Nasser Ali decides to die, so he takes to his bed. He is a musician who plays a stringed instrument, called a tar. Under unhappy circumstances, his tar breaks and is irrepairable (and to him, irreplacable also). Is this why he wants to die? During the week that Nasser Ali is in his bed refusing to eat and drink, the reader experiences conversations he has with his family and friends, flash-backs to Nasser Ali’s past, and his thoughts on what the future without him might hold.
I really empathized with Nasser Ali and the ending of the book (somewhat a surprise) brought tears to my eyes. If you are a Marjane Satrapi fan already, you will appreciate this graphic novel. If you haven’t read her before, it’s not necessary to have read any of her previous graphic novels– it is a stand-alone novel.
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LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
Marjane Satrapi writes about another relative of hers in Iran- a musician great-uncle. His wife broke his tar (a musical instrument) and he decides that nothing else will bring him pleasure, so he lies down on his bed to die. It took him eight days to die and this book shows what happened during
I wasn't sure I would like this book, but Satrapi's witty and sometimes cynical storytelling comes through. She manages to make the characters in her family come to life and makes a completely different culture very accessible. Recommended for Persepolis fans!
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those last eight days. I wasn't sure I would like this book, but Satrapi's witty and sometimes cynical storytelling comes through. She manages to make the characters in her family come to life and makes a completely different culture very accessible. Recommended for Persepolis fans!
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LibraryThing member sanguinity
For the first three-quarters of the book I was pleading with the main character to please, please, get some treatment for depression. It's beautifully told, but jeez.
And then I hit the end. Oh. And then, after a delay while my brain backtracked and realized everything that had been going on:
And so it has gone over the past week. Every once in a while, I realize again: Ohhh.
And then I hit the end. Oh. And then, after a delay while my brain backtracked and realized everything that had been going on:
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Ohhhhh...!And so it has gone over the past week. Every once in a while, I realize again: Ohhh.
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LibraryThing member thouxartxgod
I liked this book much more than I had expected. I agree very much with the reviewer who said that it's hard to put this book into words. A sad and surreal view of one man's life, particularly the last week of it, complete with ups and downs. The use of flashback is brilliant and well-executed. The
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book is haunting--I was left with a sort of delicious empty wistfulness upon finishing it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys graphic novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member name99
Why do I keep reading this woman? She and I live in two different moral universes, and I just don't find myself much concerned with her characters.
I guess it's the drawings that keep me returning, and they are once again very appealing in this graphic novel.
But that's the only good thing I can say
I guess it's the drawings that keep me returning, and they are once again very appealing in this graphic novel.
But that's the only good thing I can say
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for it. Show Less
LibraryThing member duck2ducks
Somewhat of a departure from her previous works, though still in the same vein. In November 1958, a man who can no longer can find any joy in life lies down to die. Eight days later, he does so. This book is the story of that week, filled with reflection and understanding and regret.
LibraryThing member annahead
In Marjane Satrapi's "Chicken with Plums", we see the story of her great-uncle, a famous musician who one day decided to lay down and die after his instrument broke. As he lies in bed, his mind travels to different memories, and even though we only see fragments of his life, we grasp his
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progression through different stages. The stark black and white drawings fill the characters' faces with feelings using just a few lines, as conflict is shown in the mind of the main character, but also his family and close friends. The book displays amazing skill not just in the art, but in the development of the people and the story; each flashback adds new understanding to the question of why he chose to give up on life, and the answer becomes increasingly complicated. Show Less
LibraryThing member mjmbecky
Chicken With Plums is actually quite a complicated story to put into words. In this tale, Sarjane Satrapi tells the story of a great-uncle who was a musician, who during an argument, had his tar (Iranian instrument he played) snapped in half by his wife. From the moment his instrument was
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destroyed, he began the search for a new one, and realized it could not be replaced, so he laid down to die. The remainder of the story examined, day by day, why he wanted to die, how he wanted to die, and when he will die. Through the days and stories that go with them, we learn more about Nassir's past, that help draw the story together in a cohesive way by the final tale. I really appreciated the narrative thread in this story, although I struggled to understand Nassir's extreme depression, even after more of his back story is revealed by the end. In all honesty, I finished the story feeling sorry for Nassir, but felt very little connection to him or his reasons for shutting everyone out of his life in his pursuit of death. It was a strange little story, with a strange connection to the title, but I'm still glad I read it as a continuation of Satrapi's other graphic novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member jcloke
This graphic novel is patterned like a historical folk-tale. The title is the name of the main character’s favourite food, which symbolizes his passion for some of life’s simple pleasures. Satrapi’s simple illustrations keep the focus on the emotional disparity of a man who settled.
LibraryThing member AngieK
I love everything Marjane Satrapi does, so it's no surprise I loved this book. I read this in the context of the 2009 Iranian presidential election, and while this book is not political, it helped give me an insight to a small corner of Iranian culture.
The main character of this graphic novel is a
I admire Satrapi's emotional honesty and clear-headed approach to tragedy. This man is related to her, although he died before she was born, the story is told with love that was passed down through generations. This slim volume manages to be a luminous rumination on marriage, art, and family.
The main character of this graphic novel is a
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man who decides to die, and within the first few pages, you know that he does. The book outlines his journey toward death, and the reader is the only one who knows it's really going to happen, lending to a darkly bittersweet tone. I admire Satrapi's emotional honesty and clear-headed approach to tragedy. This man is related to her, although he died before she was born, the story is told with love that was passed down through generations. This slim volume manages to be a luminous rumination on marriage, art, and family.
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LibraryThing member BenjaminHahn
Another short but engaging piece from Ms. Satrapi. Like Persepolis I was pleasantly surprised to find myself being subtly informed of Iran's recent history via the lenses of her family members. The story is serious but also humorous. I enjoyed the way it deals with marriage and family, passion for
p.s. If you like Persepolis, check out the animated film by the same name that came out a few years ago. The film was hand drawn instead of CG. Be sure to watch the interviews in the extras.
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art, and how all this gets caught up in day to day complexities. From the get go, you know the story is going to be bittersweet at best. Not any real departure in the illustration style, at least not from this layman's eyes. All well and good, since I enjoy her black and white line drawings. A mix of history, the arts, religion, family, death, music, politics; all the things I want in a graphic novel. I look forward to more by her. p.s. If you like Persepolis, check out the animated film by the same name that came out a few years ago. The film was hand drawn instead of CG. Be sure to watch the interviews in the extras.
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LibraryThing member JapaG
The second Satrapi grapchi novel that I have read. Not quite as evocative as Persepolis, very possibly due to the fact that it is not autobiographical. Her trademark plain style in both writing and art continue in this book, and they suit the story of a man who has decided to die. Bleak, yet funny,
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but not as touching as Persepolis. Show Less
LibraryThing member mks27
Chicken with Plums is a sad story about the author's great uncle and his struggle to find meaning in life and a reason to live after his favorite Tar is destroyed. I found this story deeply sad, even to the point of feeling his sense of hopelessness myself. This book offered very little hope,
In my opinion, this book is not a good choice for young adults, yet the library I found this book in shelves and labels it YA, just as her Persepolis books (which I loved). I do not see much here for YA readers and would not recommend it for this age group. I rated this book 2.5 stars.
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although it did chronicle how decisions and circumstances conspired to result in his unhappiness. I do not mind reading sad books, as long as some hopefulness is communicated, some goodness. This might be found in some small amount in the future lives of this man's children, but it was not enough for me to take away. In my opinion, this book is not a good choice for young adults, yet the library I found this book in shelves and labels it YA, just as her Persepolis books (which I loved). I do not see much here for YA readers and would not recommend it for this age group. I rated this book 2.5 stars.
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LibraryThing member klburnside
This was a quick read by the author of Persepolis. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't anything spectacular.
LibraryThing member -Eva-
When his favorite tar is broken, Nasser Ali is gripped by a severe ennui and the story describes his memories and thoughts about his life during the eight days it takes him to die. Surprisingly heart-wrenching tale about love and loss, even though our main character is not very agreeable. It's much
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too short (less than 100 pages), but manages to pack a bit of a punch at the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
Nasser Ali Khan, was a famous Iranian tar player. When his favorite tar is destroyed he looses his focus and reason for living. Despite having a wife and children, he decides he wants to die.
The graphic novel delves into Khan’s past; his first love, his relationship with his mother and his
Khan is the author’s great uncle, so I understand why she wrote the book, but it’s definitely not her best. She is an incredibly talented artist and story teller, but the book fell flat for me. There was no emotion and Khan comes across as incredibly selfish.
I still loved the artwork and it was a quick read, but it was disappointing in comparison with the author’s other work.
BOTTOM LINE: Skip it and go read Persepolis.
The graphic novel delves into Khan’s past; his first love, his relationship with his mother and his
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introduction to tar music. These elements are interesting, but Khan himself is so hopeless that it’s hard to find a reason to root for him. Khan is the author’s great uncle, so I understand why she wrote the book, but it’s definitely not her best. She is an incredibly talented artist and story teller, but the book fell flat for me. There was no emotion and Khan comes across as incredibly selfish.
I still loved the artwork and it was a quick read, but it was disappointing in comparison with the author’s other work.
BOTTOM LINE: Skip it and go read Persepolis.
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LibraryThing member Ceilidhann
It's impossible for me to dislike anything Satrapi's created but this beautifully told and illustrated tale was spoiled by my intense dislike of the protagonist.
LibraryThing member pussreboots
Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novel style account of her great-uncle's suicide. When Nasser Ali Khan's beloved tar is broken in a heated argument, he decides life is no longer worth living. He retires to his bedroom and stays in bed for seven days, not eating until he
Told with her usual start black and white artwork and her poetic turn of phrase, Chicken with Plums is the story of a life unwinding. It's mostly a look back throughout his life at the good and the bad and how music was his escape from monotony and possibly depression.
Through no careful planning on my part, beyond going to the library and picking up a bunch of graphic novels I wanted to read, I read Chicken with Plums and Emily and the Strangers Volume 1 back to back. Both are about the importance of music, though the first is about the tragedy of lost music, whereas the second is about a haunted guitar that will bring the best music to the right person. Although one is very serious and the other isn't, I do recommend reading them together, especially if you're musically inclined.
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eventually dies of a broken heart.Told with her usual start black and white artwork and her poetic turn of phrase, Chicken with Plums is the story of a life unwinding. It's mostly a look back throughout his life at the good and the bad and how music was his escape from monotony and possibly depression.
Through no careful planning on my part, beyond going to the library and picking up a bunch of graphic novels I wanted to read, I read Chicken with Plums and Emily and the Strangers Volume 1 back to back. Both are about the importance of music, though the first is about the tragedy of lost music, whereas the second is about a haunted guitar that will bring the best music to the right person. Although one is very serious and the other isn't, I do recommend reading them together, especially if you're musically inclined.
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LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: Marjane Satrapi's uncle was Nasser Ali Khan, the celebrated musician. In 1958, when his wife broke his instrument, he attempts to replace it, but it seems as though the passion that animated his music has gone out of him, and no new instrument sounds the same. Thrown into a deep
Review: This is a slim little book, but it tells an elegant story. It's structured very non-linearly - there's lots of looping forwards and backwards in time, since most of the book takes place inside Khan's head as he's laying in bed, thinking about his life, and waiting to die. Satrapi does some interesting things with these flashbacks, not just in terms of how the story itself, but also how the length and placement of these flashback panels influence the rhythm of how the story unfolds, and how the true meaning of Khan's decisions slowly unfurls in the mind of the reader. However, I thought this story wasn't quite as well developed as it could have been. Part of this was that the notion of "everything is awful, so I may as well die" is not a natural one for me, so I found it somewhat hard to empathize with Khan. I also would have liked to have seen more about his relationships with his children - what was there was very interesting, but it could certainly have been more developed. So, overall, this book tells a short but surprisingly complex little story in Satrapi's signature style, even if it didn't have the emotional heft of something like Persepolis. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: If you like Satrapi's work, this is also worth a try, but I think it would also be of interest to a reader who is interested in non-linear narratives, and the way that stories can be built.
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depression, Khan makes the decision that he's going to die, and takes to his bed, unable to be roused by his wife, children, friends, or even his own memories of the past or glimpses of the future.Review: This is a slim little book, but it tells an elegant story. It's structured very non-linearly - there's lots of looping forwards and backwards in time, since most of the book takes place inside Khan's head as he's laying in bed, thinking about his life, and waiting to die. Satrapi does some interesting things with these flashbacks, not just in terms of how the story itself, but also how the length and placement of these flashback panels influence the rhythm of how the story unfolds, and how the true meaning of Khan's decisions slowly unfurls in the mind of the reader. However, I thought this story wasn't quite as well developed as it could have been. Part of this was that the notion of "everything is awful, so I may as well die" is not a natural one for me, so I found it somewhat hard to empathize with Khan. I also would have liked to have seen more about his relationships with his children - what was there was very interesting, but it could certainly have been more developed. So, overall, this book tells a short but surprisingly complex little story in Satrapi's signature style, even if it didn't have the emotional heft of something like Persepolis. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: If you like Satrapi's work, this is also worth a try, but I think it would also be of interest to a reader who is interested in non-linear narratives, and the way that stories can be built.
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Awards
Pages
96
ISBN
0375424156 / 9780375424151