There is Time

The semester is finally over, and to celebrate, I would like to talk to you about...a graphic novel I read in school. Lissa by Sherine Hamdy and Coleman Nye, with illustrations by Sarula Bao and Caroline Brewer, was assigned reading for one of my courses as an example of how academic research can be turned into something creative, and dare I say, absolutely wonderful. Set in Egypt, Lissa tells the story of an American girl named Anna, her Egyptian friend, Layla, and how these two young women come to understand each other despite their different backgrounds.

Lissa

Both Anna and Layla are affected in different ways by the death of Anna's mother, as a result of her battle with breast cancer. After moving back to America, Anna learns that she carries the gene that might trigger breast cancer, and she considers taking preventative measures, something Layla is vehemently against. Back in Egypt where there is increasing civil unrest, Layla's father is suffering from kidney failure, but refuses a transplant. As Anna and Layla discuss the obstacles set before them, they are distanced by their different belief systems and cultural upbringings, but they are brought back together through their dedication to each other.

Lissa, which translates to "there is time," is a beautiful journey of understanding, and I encourage everyone to read it. It was truly a pleasure for me to read because I had the opportunity to take a class with Coleman Nye, and she is a very intelligent, wonderful person. Undoubtedly a 5 star read!

If you have any comments, questions or review requests, please feel free to comment below, or email me (theopinionatedbookworm@gmail.com) or follow me on Instagram (@theopinionatedbookworm).

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