I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
Series: Stand-alone Published by Europe Comics on August 21, 2019
Genres: Memoir
Source: NetGalley
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“Tales from behind the Window" is based on memories of an Anatolian grandmother and women she knew who suffered from male dominance over their lives. Writer and illustrator Edanur Kuntman seeks a unique way to express and give voice to women in her grandmother’s memories and in our reality who were not able to reconcile their inner emotional depth with their rural worlds in Northern Turkey. One long and two short stories included in this book revolve around terrifying emotional burdens such as forced marriages, being betrayed by patriarchs, and lost love, which have haunted and still haunt many in rural Anatolia.
Tales From Behind The Window is a graphic novel created by Edanur Kuntman, who tells a story based on the memories of her grandmother born and raised in Samsun, Turkey.
The concept alone is heartbreaking . . . Forced marriages and patriarchal practices of the most emotional kind make this graphic novel so real that it’s impossible not to feel for the women in the story, and every woman facing the same injustices. Kuntman portraits all of this in a way that the story flows well through beautifully illustrated pages, depicting realistic images of her grandmother’s neighbourhood and capturing emotions, moments, and characters with very fine colouring. Pictures can express what words cannot describe and, like in this case, they give voice to important matters that should never be forgotten.
Sad, real, and evocative. I strongly recommend to read this in paperback, so that you don’t miss the great job this author/illustrator has done depicting such a poignant memoir.
About Silvia
Through her creativity and blogging, Silvia has met people from different industries and collaborated with them on various projects over the years. Her strong passion for reading and her fascination for different cultures and languages have led her to develop a keen interest in the East-Asian continent. Off to see her? Follow the colourful book road . . . ♡
This sounds like a sad and heartbreaking but amazing graphic novel!
It is, Stephanie, and you know I do enjoy this kind of reads!
Oh my, this does sound so heartbreaking. I would not have considered a graphic novel the right thing for a topic like this, but after your description of the art, I am hooked. I need to read this.
I got hooked the moment I read this was based on memories of her grandmother, and I honestly thought you might have liked the premise as well, Verushka 😉
It sounds like such an emotional story!
It’s based on a real one, I found that is why it’s particularly touching.
This sounds different from what I’d expect in a graphic novel, but I like that. Great review!
It’s honestly different from all the ones I’ve read so far, really glad I went for it!
I would never have expected this to be in the form of a graphic novel. Sounds intense. Great review.
It’s intense right because of its reality, that is what I probably liked the most.
Wow, this sounds so good! I’ve recently been getting in to reading Graphic Novels and have really enjoyed how they can convey some really deep issues. You’re absolutely correct that images can express what words can’t always so adequately describe. Such a wonderfully written review!! <3 Jen
I’ve always loved graphic novels, but I’ve never read a memoir in a form of one, it made for quite the interesting experience. I’m glad you agree with what I said about images, and I hope you like this graphic novel if you ever decide to give it a go 🙂
I’m not sure if this would be for me, but I really love your review! It really shows that you’ve enjoyed it, you always have your way with words…
Thank you for sharing this!
Aww, thank you! I’m sure glad to hear that what I feel and think is well delivered ❤️
I didn’t think graphic novels would cover heartbreaking topics like this. I am so glad you enjoyed it <3 things that touch the heartstrings leave us with deep thoughts about how far we have come in society in general. Great review Silvia <3
Graphic novels are great and sometimes can really surprise you, like in this case. I agree with what you said, that is actually one of the things I thought while reading this. Happy you enjoyed my review, Chanzie!
I wouldn’t think of this kind of story for a graphic novel. It sounds like I need to maybe take a closer look at some of the stories offered in this format. Great review!
It’s a format that has a lot to offer in my opinion, I’d recommend to give it a go, there are lots and lots of amazing graphic novels, and some of them are really surprising like this one 🙂