The Arab of the Future: A Childhood in the Middle East 1978-1984: A Graphic Memoir

About this book

The Arab of the Future the #1 French best-seller tells the unforgettable story of Riad Sattoufs childhood spent in the shadows of 3 dictatorsMuammar Gaddafi Hafez al-Assad and his father In striking virtuoso graphic style that captures both the immediacy of childhood and the fervor of political idealism Riad Sattouf recounts his nomadic childhood growing up in rural France Gaddafis Libya and Assads Syria--but always under the roof of his father a Syrian Pan-Arabist who drags his family along in his pursuit of grandiose dreams for the Arab nation. Riad delicate and wide-eyed follows in the trail of his mismatched parents; his mother a bookish French student is as modest as his father is flamboyant. Venturing first to the Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab State and then joining the family tribe in Homs Syria they hold fast to the vision of the paradise that always lies just around the corner. And hold they do though food is scarce children kill dogs for sport and with locks banned the Sattoufs come home one day to discover another family occupying their apartment. The ultimate outsider Riad with his flowing blond hair is called the ultimate insult Jewish. And in no time at all his father has come up with yet another grand plan moving from building a new people to building his own great palace. Brimming with life and dark humor The Arab of the Future reveals the truth and texture of one eccentric family in an absurd Middle East and also introduces a master cartoonist in a work destined to stand alongside Maus and Persepolis.