42) The Sigh

Bibliography: Satrapi, Marjane; The Sigh; Archaia Entertainment; Los Angeles, CA; 2011; 56 pages; ISBN 978-1-936393-46-6.

Plot: A merchant with three daughters returns with special gifts that they each had asked for.  For the oldest, the merchant has brought a dress made of peacock feathers.  For the middle daughter, the merchant has brought back a merino shawl.  The youngest daughter asked her father to bring her the seed of a blue bean.  Unfortunately, the merchant was unable to find a seed for his daughter.  Upon hearing that she does not have the seed of a blue bean, Rose lets out a sigh, “Ah.”  Upon hearing his name called, Ah the Sigh comes to the house to offer Rose a blue bean seed.  He asks in return that someday the merchant will return the favor.  A year later, Ah the Sigh returns and asks the merchant to let him take his youngest daughter to live in a magnificent palace. 

Review:  This is such a different type of story.  Satrapi creates characters that at first glance seem readers have already met.  However, upon further exploration readers are transported to a world that is beautiful and amazing.  Satrapi is a genius storyteller.  Satrapi also did the graphics for this book.  She did a great job of keeping the illustrations just as sparse as the story.  There is so much to learn in this book.  This book takes readers on a journey that will leave them craving more.  A beautiful story about the importance of life, tells readers know that life is only a sigh. 

Genre: Graphic Novel/Fairy Tales /Fantasy

Interest Level: age 12 and up
Related Books:  Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi; Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi

Characters:

Orchid – Oldest sister

Violet – middle sister, quite shy

Rose – youngest sister, the protagonist

Ah the Sigh

Prince of the Kingdom of Sighs

Author Awards:

2001: Angoulême Coup de Coeur Award for Persepolis; 2002: Angoulême Prize for Scenario for Persepolis: Tome 2; 2005: Angoulême Best Comic Book Award for Poulet aux prunes; 2007: Jury Prize for Persepolis (tied with Silent Light), Cannes Film Festival; 2007: Best Animation: Los Angeles Film Critics Association; 2008: Cinema for Peace Award for "Most Valuable Movie of the Year"; 2008: Gat Perich Award; 2009: Doctor honoris causa both at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the Université catholique de Louvain from Belgium

Author Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjane_Satrapi