I feel like I'm the last person to know about this graphic novel, but just in case you are: it's FANTASTIC. It is set in an alternate Cairo where 'wishes' are real, come in bottles, and are subject to heavy government regulation (with all that that entails). The book tells the story of three particular vintage wishes at a man's kiosk, and the three people's stories those wishes become entangled in. I don't want to say too much more. Read it.
I'm part way through this excellent graphic novel in which "wishes" are sold on the market and regulated by governments. Here's an info box between chapters.
"My sister's grandson is a graphic designer" ???
Lovely #graphicnovel set in modern alternate Cairo, in which wishes are real and are sold in a regulated market.
pickGreat world building with interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the novellas
#LuckyInLove Day 17: This is my #BookCrush that I did not get to buy and take home with me from the Emirates Literature Festival two weeks ago.
Book 8 of my spotlight on fave graphic fic for #12booksof2023 is Mohamed's “Shubeik Lubeik.“ At a kiosk in Cairo 3 wishes are sold to strangers who are in vastly different life circumstances, but are each at a crossroads in life: one is dealing with depression, another is dealing with life after the loss of a loved one & the third is trying to maintain their religious principals. The artwork in this is fantastic, but it does not overshadow (cont)
SHUBEIK LUBEIK by Deena Mohamed
ROAMING by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki
GHOST BOOK by Remy Lai
A MAN AND HIS CAT by Umi Sakurai
ROYAL CITY by Jeff Lemire
A SKY OF PAPER STARS by Susie Yi
THE NIGHT EATERS by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
LISTEN, BEAUTIFUL MARCIA by Marcello Quintanilha
pickEgypt is a super power in 1912. Much of the world is careening towards war. In Cairo, Fatma el-Sha‘arawi, is a celebrated agent in the ministry tasked with managing the many magical entities and objects let loose many years ago. With the assassination of the members of a secret brotherhood, a new threat arises. Fatma must stop an impostor before Cairo erupts into a maelstrom of fire. Four of five ⭐️ for a rollicking fun steampunk story.
pickWhat a gem of a graphic novel. Vibrant in illustrations and story, Shubeik Lubeik tells the tale of a world where wishes are commodities that are bought and sold. I loved how Mohamed uses this to look into class differences. What happens when a poor person gets an expensive first class wish? The govt assumes it‘s stolen. Also, it‘s fascinating how wrong wishes can turn out. Wishing to lose weight? Watch out, you might lose some limbs. Delightful.
