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"A brilliant and imaginative debut graphic novel that brings to life a fantastical Cairo where wishes are real. Author, illustrator, and translator Deena Mohamed presents a literary, feminist, Arab-centric graphic novel that marries magic and the socio-political realities of contemporary Egypt. Shubeik Lubeik-a fairytale rhyme meaning "Your Wish is My Command" in Arabic-is the story of three characters navigating a world where wishes are literally for sale; mired in bureaucracy and the familiar prejudices of our world, the more expensive the wish, the more powerful and therefore the more likely to work as intended. The novel's three distinct parts tell the story of three first class wishes as used by Aziza, Nour, and Shokry, each grappling with the challenge inherent in trying to make your most deeply held desire come true. Deena's mix of calligraphy and contemporary styles, brings to life a vibrant Cairene neighborhood, and a cast of characters whose struggles and triumphs are deeply resonant. Shubeik Lubeik heralds the arrival of a huge new talent and a brave, literary, political, and feminist new voice in comics"--… (more)
User reviews
This is the story of a kiosk owner in Egypt who comes into possession of a box containing three bottles, each containing one wish. However, wishes are not so simple in this story.
There were so many things I loved about this book. I like graphic novels anyway, but this
The title translates to “Your wish is my command” and this graphic novel really dives into the
Aziza’s story is what starts everything off and goes into what a lot of women and lower class citizens go through - especially when it comes to something high price.
Nour’s section was the most intense in my opinion as it dealt with depression. As someone who has battled with depression for years, the questions Nour would ask about it and the best way to ask his question is all stuff that I felt like I would ask as well; especially since you had to be precise on your wishes or they’ll grant you not exactly what you wanted.
Shokry and Hagga’s story(ies) broke my heart with their tale of family. I knew Hagga had her reasons for doing what she was, but I didn’t think it would be that.
The art style of this was drawn the same throughout but would go from color while Shokry and Hagga would talk about the selling of the three wishes to black and white when it would go into each individual story.
Overall, this was an amazing graphic novel. It’s hefty, at 528 pages, which I think is what kept me off of it for as long as I did, but I devoured it as quickly as I could once I started it. In the end, it will really make you think about what your level one wish could be.