Zahra's Paradise

This was a really good historical fiction graphic novel tied into the aftermath of the 2009 Iranian presidential election.

I didn't know anything about it and it was really informative and engaging and ultimately, terrifying.

3.5/5 stars

I don't read graphic novels often, but this was a really eye-opening, powerful and sobering read.

Heartbreaking. This stayed with me for a long time after reading. I'd find myself suddenly in a funk, and then I'd realize it'd be because someone reminded me of this book, or I had just read something about Iran in the news. Poor Mehdi.

Briefly, this is a fictionalized account of one family's search for their university-age son, Mehdi, after he goes missing following the protests after the 2009 Iranian elections. His brother recounts the terrible journey, as they descend into Dante's inferno, visiting prisons, morgues and always despairing at their senselessly “disappeared” loved one.

The style is a mix of Baroque/golden age of Islam, with gorgeous calligraphic/geometric curlicues decorating the pages. Hat tip to one mind-blowing, gorgeous spread which shows the “inner workings” of the notorious Evin Prison/post-Revolution Iran. Amazing.

The style reminds you a lot of Craig Thompson's Habibi, except it makes Habibi look like an Orientalist fantasy. Yo, this shit is real, and it's awful. This was published anonymously, and - despite being fictional - there are so many references to real events (such as the death of Neda Agha-Soltan), that you can't help but feel like the issues in this are very, very real, and very urgent.

Beautiful in its art, powerful in its content. Definitely recommended.