The Arab of the Future 2: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1984-1985 details Riad Sattouf's life in Syria, as he starts to go to school. His teacher is mean, the kids are mean; it's a rough time to live in Syria, even though his father has a good job, has a good education, and comes from a prominent family. Riad does manage to make friends and do somewhat well in school.
This book would be so sad if it weren't so funny. For instance, when the children's hands are beaten by the teacher, a woman, the children's eyes bug out, and I can't help but laugh. Sattouf uses traditional comic techniques throughout the book: exaggerations, irony, and most importantly, the truth. I look forward to The Arab of the Future 3 coming out in September; it'll find its way on my bookshelf next to 1 and 2.
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