Poppies of Iraq

A mix of memories and anecdotes what it's like to grow up in Iraq in the 1960s.

Have a set of 5 for World History/Lit book circles, so finally reading it. You learn some interesting things about Iraqi culture and history and why people choose to stay or leave, but kids will struggle here. It's jarringly disjointed, with anecdotes that switch back and forth in time, and her art doesn't hold up to the often intense subject matter. There's biographical black and white pictures included a few times, but no labels or context, so they aren't additive to understanding her story.

The art was lovey and highly enjoyable, I am fond of Trondheim's style and Findakly has a great use of color.

The content jumps around, but that's understandable, what I was annoyed at was that many things were unclear or I didn't understand how, or if, things were resolved. Not sure if this is an issue of translation, a cultural gap, purposeful ambiguity or if information is just not there.

Her experiences are interesting and I would check out more of her work.