Sunday, February 27, 2011

Aya by Marguerite Abouet & Clement Oubrerie

Growing up on the Ivory Coast, Aya is focused on her studies.  Her two best friends, Abjoua and Bintou, are focused on getting a husband to take care of them.  It’s hard for Aya to pay attention to school when her friends keep needing her help.

This is a trilogy as well, Aya is followed by Aya of Yop City, and Aya: The Secrets Come Out.  On the Ivory Coast, there is a dramatic difference between what is expected for boys and what is expected for girls.  The girls are suppose to make a good match and get married and have children and then take care of their husbands and children not matter what happens.  Aya is more interested in having a career, which her parents don't understand at all.

As the series continues, Aya, Abjoua and Bintou all have some serious problems to deal with.  Aya's family is crumbling thanks to her father, and she's angry that her mother won't stand up for herself.  Abjoua gets pregnant, and Bintou gets involved with a man who is not what he seems.

It was interesting to read about life was like for these young women growing up on the Ivory Coast, and the expectations that are put on them.  There's also some information at the end of each volume about life, food, clothes and slang from the Ivory Coast.

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