Online - April 19, 2005

Graphic Novel

"Embroideries," by Marjane Satrapi

A group of middle-aged women sit around drinking tea.

Not exactly a toe-tingling premise that sends you running to the nearest bookstore.

How about a vivacious, opium-addicted grandmother and her unexpectedly brazen cohort dishing about men, sex, and marriage in spare-no-punches detail?

Thought so. (Ya Yas, you got nothing on this one. Nothing.) Embroideries, the illustrated comic novel by writer and illustrator Marjane Satrapi (the brilliant Iranian creator of Persepolis and Persepolis II), overflows with catty one-liners, giggle-inducing drawings, and tales of naughty activities that backfire. Like the one about the woman who tried to fake her virginity on her wedding night with — egads — a razor blade.

A far cry from the spiciest Betty and Veronica digest, this is one heck of a tea party. And contrary to what the name implies, there’s nary a needlepoint in sight.

As for what the title does refer to? Well, let’s just say that it will make you grateful that the only thing your gram ever got graphic about was her gallbladder.

Available online at amazon.com or at your local bookstore.