In a slew of graphic novels to appear here, Zahra’s Paradise has been on my favorites thus far. Zahra’s Paradise was originally published as a web comic where there is next to no comic culture in Iran. Co-authored by Amir and Khalil, the story blends together many stories into one compelling composite of struggle, faith, family, and nationalism. In country with almost no comic culture, this story was a new way to express the ideas and events in Iran, and flew on the radar for some while.

Now a published book, Zahra’s Paradise is the story of the intense elections in summer of 2009 and how it affected a small fictional cast of characters. Don’t be fooled, while the characters may be fiction but they are a compilation of true events and stories of a nation trying to find themselves and their country.

The characters’ stories paint the horrors that many families and individuals found themselves facing after the upsetting election brought the tyranny of their government to light. Throughout the story, Hassan, a young blogger, is recording the trials and tribulations of the election and the search to find his missing brother who disappeared after a protest. As the story the progresses, and the search for Mehdi grows more and more worrisome, the text explores the main question, “Is this Iran?”

The most gripping part of this graphic novel is how relatable readers can find it. Despite the distance, the difference of religion, and government, at the core of this story is the need to find family, to expose of the wrong doings of the government, and the find themselves within their own country. No matter who you are, you can understand the love of family and the desire to be reunited or at the very least, get closure on the lost and dead.

This story is powerful portrait of the human condition. This book is necessary, amidst the wash of negative portrayal and demonizing of Iranians, this book sets the record straight. It shows Iran’s people as humans, as every bit like us, and that’s why this book is important. Reading this book offers brief insight into a nation shook-up by turmoil and how its citizens struggle to hang on to their humanity and identity.

Fans of graphic novel should give Zahra’s Paradise a read. Presented in the pages is the story of a nation that is struggling to find themselves and hang on to their culture. This inspiring tale celebrates the human strength and bond of family, looks at nationalism, and asks itself “Is this Iran?” This book should make its readers ask the same question, it challenges our own views and beliefs on a whole nation of people. Brace yourself for startling story that will open your eyes. It may even raise some questions about our own government and the people of our nation.