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This was my first graphic novel. What a fun way to read stories! The graphic style was simple, and so was the narration. I had not known much about Iran, the only things I knew were from bits of news, some from history textbooks, not much. This book opened my eyes - the world is not how we perceive, not modern Western civilization fighting against the Middle East. The author paints a grim picture but also reminds us that they were humans too. They rebelled. The author, then a child, rebelled in ways that were meaningful to her. There were no clear answers on who to believe, what to trust - I cannot imagine my childhood being spent going to funerals and hiding in the basement and hoping I don’t die. The author paints a simple picture of a grim reality. The dialogues are funny and light, keeping the whole novel appealing (even considering the dark topics).

When in doubt, or in a reading slump, I always pick up one of Christie’s books. It’s a habit of comfort. This book did not disappoint. The reveal came as a bit of a shock. This is not a complaint, as this book was written decades ago and was representative of its time but the repeated mentions of women being catty to each other, and shaming of modern women was a tad bit too frustrating to get my head around (and the reason why I’ve given 3 stars when I really thought the story deserved 4). But Christie is a master of storytelling, and apart from the occasional snobbishness, the plot and the drama was spot on. 🤌🏼

A wonderful reimagining of Circe’s story. Circe, who was tortured as a child for not being beautiful enough, for not being powerful enough. Circe, who was exiled for being kind. Circe, who was naïve and tried to find the best in others. Circe, who used her powers to turn men into pigs when they tried to harm her. Circe, who finally learnt to live with herself. Circe, who is not Goddess enough, and not human enough. I felt compassion for her character, who finally found peace in who she was, even though she had done some cruel and evil acts. A morally grey character, and many many relationships - some bad, some good, some heartbreaking. What else does a story need? (for anyone looking to read a Greek mythology retelling, this might not be your cup of tea - this has little of everything else that goes on in the world of Greek Gods, this is purely Circe’s story).

Classic Agatha Christie novel. Can finish in one single sitting. I did not remember reading this earlier (even though I definitely had). Wonderful setting, characters felt more compelling, and Poirot as usual, felt quite like an amiable yet irritating uncle. Comfortable read. Christie books always feel like coming home to have my favorite dinner from childhood (does that make me a creep?)