This is a YA graphic novel by Ivorian author Marguerite Abouet. It is set in Yopougan, Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire in the 1970s and continues the story of Aya and her friends, their loves, heartbreaks and challenges. It deals with issues along the way such as coming out to family, sexual abuse of young women at school or uni, and religious scams.

These are a great set of books with expressive art work, relatable characters and a great insight into Ivorian culture. It was refreshing to read a book about Africa that is joyful and celebrates the place and culture and isn’t about war and famine. ( )

“Aya” is a graphic novel set during the heyday of the Ivory Coast in the 1970s. Aya is a teenage girl, with aspirations to become a doctor and is hyper-focused on school and studying. Meanwhile, her closest friends are living out their youth, getting into trouble and pursuing parties and boys – sometimes with unfortunate results. This was such a refreshing slice-of-life graphic novel with wonderful art that felt earnest and dynamic, as if the characters could dance off the page at any moment.

“Aya” also has a fantastic illustrated appendix that offers explanations and translations for some of the cultural references and slang used throughout the volume. ( )

A book about middle class living in Africa, written by Marguerite Abouet from the Ivory Coast. The history lesson about the Ivory Coast and its economic development was much more interesting than the insipid plot. Aya is an independent young woman with dreams of a career, who does not want to become someone's wife or even worse, an unwed mother. Sadly, with the exceptions of studying hard and telling her father, she does not really do much to achieve her goals; instead, she watches her girlfriends (and others) living the wildlife, with one getting pregnant, not being sure of the father. Unfortunately, it's really a comic book (i.e., slight, brainless), not a graphic novel. ( )

Très vivant et attachant. On est vite plongé dans le monde d’Aya. L’album arrive à dépeindre un univers tout en mettant de l’avant une intrigue sympathique. J’ai beaucoup aimé les dialogues qui rendent l’argot de Yopougon des années 70. Intéressant pour ceux qui s’intéressent aux rapports de genre et à la vie de famille. Je vais définitivement lire la suite ! ( )

La historia de Aya, una joven que se embarca en la aventura de querer estudiar medicina, pero su machista y mujeriego padre no quiere. ( )