A Vibrant Story of A young girls Dream!

Aya
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly
Writer: Marguerite Abouet
Artist: Clement Oubrerie
Foreword: Alisia Grace Chase, PhD

The dignified tale of an African girl's coming of age experiences.
By JOHN L. DANIELS JR







As a youth you experience what I call “the ups and down of your peers” It is the social activity which you and your peers feel at the age you are at that time. This could mean
Adult, teen, or elder. Whatever age you are, you still are among your peers and you all experience different goals, challenges, and obstacles associated with that age group.

Aya is a vibrant, enduring, and highly motivated to go to school and become a Doctor.
Aya is the embodiment of a strong natured girl from the Ivory Coast circa 1978. Aya must maintain her dignity and motivation to realize her dreams of going to college. Although her father is working for SOLIBRA the Nations #1 Beer brewery, he doe’s not see her vision and in turn believes she is chasing it all away. Amid all the trials her peers endure, Aya perseveres and become the shoulder, the rock others rely on. Aya is a teen who wants to excel, her peers are living for the moment.

The writer Marguerite Abouet is from the Ivory Coast, is this an autobiography of her own exploits.



This is an incredible and entertaining book by Drawn and Quarterly. The presentation of the book is exquisite. The artistry of Clement Oubrerie visualization has every panel in glorious hues and vibrant ethnic textiles. The detail and expressionism adores for anyone, teen and adult. The amazing visuals of the panels bring the reader into the Ivory Coast and the town of Yop City. Although catered to the young teen genera, I feel this is great reading for the culture enriching reader, This Graphic novel will sweep you away.

Reading the Preface by Alisia Grace Chase, PhD engrossed me into feeling the emotional heart of the characters. Unbelievably I could not believe this title did not get any press. I applaud Drawn and Quarterly for their unique expressiveness to readers. The writer and artist should be proud of this book and should receive many accolades and awards.

I give this incredible graphic novel, an inquisitive rating of 5.00.