Illustrator:
Clement Oubrerie

Genre:
Graphic Novel, Humorous, International, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Summary:
In this highly unique period piece, join Aya and her two best friends Adjoua and Bintou in a light hearted portrayal of Africa’s Ivory Coast in the golden time of 1978. The beautiful yet bookish Aya just wants to study and aspires to become a doctor one day. In contrast, her easy going friends are looking to hook up at the local maquis (a cheap place to dance and meet boys). It’s all fun and games until Adjoua finds out she’s pregnant and hastens to get married to the rich but sleazy Moussa. A hilarious twist at the end will have you giggling for sure!

My Thoughts:
Aya is a surprisingly funny novel chock full of graphics that easily convey the myriad of emotions experienced by the characters. As noted in the preface, this is a representation of Africa that we rarely see. Aya and her friends and family are like any middle class North American family. They’re average folks with intricate social networks and plenty of leisure time to play (and ultimately to get themselves into trouble!).

My only criticism would be that sometimes the scenes lacked a seamless transition. For instance on one page Adjoua would be out at the maquis dancing, and then suddenly on the opposite page we’d see Aya hanging out at Bintou’s house.

Despite the lack of segues, Aya is a silly, sweet story of adolescence. Aya herself is a respectable protaganist with admirable aspirations and friends that keep her on her toes. The characters in this story are memorable and authentic; think Coronation Street with an African flair!

Borrow Aya from your local Vaughan library today! Follow her story in Aya of Yop City and Aya: The Secrets Come Out.