Embroideries (Pantheon Graphic Library)
by Marjane Satrapi (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (763)
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From the best–selling author of Persepolis comes this gloriously entertaining and enlightening look into the sex lives of Iranian women.
Embroideries gathers together Marjane’s tough–talking grandmother, stoic mother, glamorous and eccentric aunt and their friends and neighbors for an afternoon of tea drinking and talking. Naturally, the subject turns to love, sex and the vagaries of men.
As the afternoon progresses, these vibrant women share their secrets, their regrets and their often outrageous stories about, among other things, how to fake one’s virginity, how to escape an arranged marriage, how to enjoy the miracles of plastic surgery and how to delight in being a mistress. By turns revealing and hilarious, these are stories about the lengths to which some women will go to find a man, keep a man or, most important, keep up appearances.
Full of surprises, this introduction to the private lives of some fascinating women, whose life stories and lovers will strike us as at once deeply familiar and profoundly different from our own, is sure to bring smiles of recognition to the faces of women everywhere—and to teach us all a thing or two.
From Australia
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing women's stories
Reviewed in Australia on 30 December 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
In a striking black and white graphic novel format, this shows a conversation between a community of Iranian women talking about the highs and lows of their relationships including a lot of abuse and manipulation at the hands of their husbands and families. Some confronting and brave stories from a range of perspectives.
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From other countries
Mónica Jiménez
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Reviewed in Mexico on 11 March 2026
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🥲
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VIRGINIA
5.0 out of 5 stars Entretenido con toques de humor
Reviewed in Spain on 4 September 2022
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Soy fan de Satrapi. Esta novela con toques de humor nos vuelve a adentrar en el mundo de la mujer en una cultura musulmana. Excelente.
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mcgtt
5.0 out of 5 stars Feminilidade persa
Reviewed in Brazil on 25 December 2017
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Acredito que os que caem nessa página são os que leram ou ao menos conhecem os dois volumes de Persepolis, os modernos clássicos de Marjane Satrapi que retratam despretensiosamente sua infância e juventude ao correr da revolução iraniana e o que daí veio posteriormente. A estes leitores, portanto, gostaria de dizer que Embroideries é uma ótima ideia: o livro é de leitura rápida e retrata, basicamente, uma relaxada conversa entre mulheres - das mais diversas idades - da mesma família de Satrapi, desta vez enfocando em dilemas, curiosos casos e historietas relacionados ao universo feminino. Como mulher, posso afirmar que conhecer a vivência da mulher iraniana, identificando-me vez ou outra, é um baita adicional a minha bagagem cultural-universal. Portanto, obra recomendadíssima!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Canada on 19 December 2017
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This book is a must read. And a quick read! i went through it in an hour!
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Kathrine from Ukraine
5.0 out of 5 stars Great comics
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2026
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Very light and funny. Women look on men, marriage, love. Very relatable and funny. Amazing how they from Iran and I from Ukrain can have so similar views on things
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Ales
5.0 out of 5 stars Great comic book.
Reviewed in Italy on 10 June 2020
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Loved every single page.
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Artemis12
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, witty, masterful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 May 2013
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I almost never give five star reviews but embroideries deserved it! After reading Persepolis, i was introduced to the graphic novel genre and became curious of what else Marjane Satrapi had to say..I must say I was amazed! Funny and sensitive at the same time, it gives a clear idea of what the sexual lives of women in Iran are like and all the conditions and ideas surrounding it. A great read!
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n r k
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Book
Reviewed in India on 21 January 2026
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An interesting conversation happens between women of different generations of a family about sex, marriage, extramarital affairs and other topics in what is known as a traditionally conservative society. Good Read with Good Graphics.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy actual
Reviewed in Mexico on 22 April 2025
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Los temas de los que habla son una constante en la vida de las mujeres y ella los refleja claramente.
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Elsa
4.0 out of 5 stars sweet :)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2012
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Are you a Satrapi fan? Then you must buy this. Endering story. Sweet and sour and always interesting. Not as good as persepolis of course. But persepolis left me wanting more... and this filled the hole for a while. Hope she continues her work, telling more stories... How about an iranian view on ocidental women next? I keep hoping...
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Pie
2.0 out of 5 stars Uneccessary
Reviewed in Germany on 5 June 2013
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I liked Persepolis and ordered embroideries. However, it is simply playing on the success of Persepolis and doesn't offer any valuable contribution. It's slightly entertaining but since you'll be done reading it within an hour, I am not sure it is worth the money.
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shima
5.0 out of 5 stars funny
Reviewed in Canada on 12 August 2018
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I finished the book within half and hour! funny
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Renata
5.0 out of 5 stars muy divertida
Reviewed in Spain on 15 November 2021
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Es una novela gráfica muy divertida y con la que pasar un rato muy agradable. La compré en inglés porque era para un regalo a una amiga extranjera, y quedé contenta con la rapidez del envío y el estado del tomo.
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ある光
5.0 out of 5 stars イラン・ガールズ・ブラボー、か。
Reviewed in Japan on 12 April 2006
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雰囲気を日本の出版物でたとえると、岡崎京子の「東京ガールズブラボー」だろうか。
女の人が（老人から、若い女の子まで。）、厳しくてくだらなくて不可解な現実を笑いとばすっていう、あの陽気な感じ。けっこう、一緒になって笑えると思う。おすすめ。
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Priyanka
4.0 out of 5 stars Very cheeky and in the face.
Reviewed in India on 9 November 2018
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I was so impressed by Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, that I wanted to read her other works, I went into Embroideries without knowing much.
The sketch work is similar to Persepolis, which I really liked.
Marjane and ladies in her family and neighborhood meet up for tea and gossips to discuss their love and sex lives. Iran is an extremely conservative Islamic country and like every conservative country, it is partial to one sex. The “law” or the male dominant society forbids them to have a modern outlook or live life on their terms. But these ladies are so vibrant, cheeky and rebellious, but only behind closed doors. The stories these ladies share, the situations they have been in, the kind of social obligations they have to fulfil to be desirable are so thought provoking.
I can imagine a lot of girls living in big cities of India having these kind of conversations with their girlfriends. May be the severity of the situations aint the same, but still it’s the unspoken truth of the modern society.
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Christopher Waugh
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and Heartfelt and Hilarious
Reviewed in the United States on 7 November 2024
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I've been a huge fan of Marjane Satrapi ever since reading and watching Persepolis. I've also read "Chicken With Plums" and loved it just as dearly. And I can finally say that I've added this stunning work to the list of books I've read.
The women in this book are all remarkable storytellers and each give a unique beautiful ring to every story they tell. The stories they share are tragic, funny, sexy, and (most of all) entertaining.
Do yourself a favor: if you like cozy stories about family, sex, generational love, strong women, and topped off with beautiful illustrations, pick up Embroideries. You won't regret it.
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Camille
4.0 out of 5 stars though it's more like a book of short stories
Reviewed in the United States on 21 September 2014
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Embroideries is categorized as a memoir, though it's more like a book of short stories, told by different female characters living in Iran, done in Marjane's usual graphic novel style. Marjane and her family and a few friends are sitting down to tea to gossip after lunch while the men nap. These women relate stories about past or present relationship issues and I think that most female readers will find that they've done something similar with their own family or friends. I can't really describe the plot because each little tale has it's own - but they range from cheating husbands, old lovers, sexual experiences, marriage and more. This is definitely not a book intended for children. I found myself laughing out loud several times, especially when the women are discussing the male anatomy. As the blurb on the book says, these stories "will strike us as at once deeply familiar and profoundly different from our own" and I'm inclined to agree. I enjoyed this little book very much and would recommend it to most - as long as you have a sense of humor and don't mind people discussing sex and the naked body.
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E. Allchin
4.0 out of 5 stars This book is a little different the cartoons are fun and the book gives a perspective of women's life ...
Reviewed in Canada on 3 June 2016
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This book is a little different the cartoons are fun and the book gives a perspective of women's life in an asian culture
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VaneMota
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, disturbing and funny in equal parts!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2024
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I read this as part of a book club and what a find! The way the stories flow is so natural, the illustrations are incredibly simple but charged, really loved it.
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Luis Pozos
4.0 out of 5 stars Lectura facil
Reviewed in Mexico on 20 May 2019
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Muy bueno.
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Dipti
5.0 out of 5 stars hilarious and must read for every women
Reviewed in India on 9 February 2024
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It was an hilarious book. Oh my God I was laughing out loud. Thee graphics, the dialogues and stories were so funny and true. Its a must read
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Phred
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone Loves Gossip.
Reviewed in the United States on 3 November 2012
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Bottom line: Not great literature, not brilliant comic book art. If you have ever wanted to be a fly on the wall when women let loose, this is it.
I had not read Persopolis I or II nor have I been to the new movie Chicken with Plums. I was looking to get a taste of Iranian born Parisian Marjane Satrapi. Embroideries, in hard back $6.78, $1 less than paperback was an easy decision.
It is a fast read, maybe an hour, longer if you take the time to enjoy the artwork. I liked it.
One could be harsh and describe this as another "women complain about men" chick flick book. There are a growing number of books about the "secret" lives of women in Iran. This is not another anything. This book, short and simple is a good read.
If we need to be technical, this is a slice of life. There is no introduction and no long back story on individuals. Almost the first thing we know is that Grandma is an opium addict. We like her this way. If something so bald and forthright does not snap you to attention, not much can.
The scene is a group of women, most related; taking a tea break after serving a lunch, then cleaning up and while the men folk sleep it off- The women talk, gossip and tell secrets. Almost all are about sex and while men are usually bad, the women are also silly, overly romantic and as often victims of their own weaknesses.
What elevates this book is the natural flow of the dialogue and the sense that we are fully included into this family. We are Marjane Satrapi, letting her elders and betters expose their sad stories, their funny stories, and their most personal truths. Nothing is edited. Nothing is withheld. We are among friends and trusted to keep secrets. For example `Embroideries' are not exactly what you thought they were.
I wanted an easy introduction to Ms. Satrapi and her graphic novels. This one did what I needed and more.
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Fuzzydoubletrouble
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!!!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 June 2018
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YES YES YES! Amazing book, I recommend to every woman. It was witty, funny and refreshing. Stories are so real and sad at the times. Even tho the book is short, it discusses big issues. It will change your outlook on some topics.
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Minakshi k
3.0 out of 5 stars Good for a quick read like an hour long journey
Reviewed in India on 31 August 2016
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Strictly ok.. Good for a quick read like an hour long journey.
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Vianney Fernández
5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendous discovery!
Reviewed in Mexico on 25 September 2022
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Satrapi's work is boldly inspiring. All the characters are endearing and, at the same time, familiar. No matter where you are or how old you are, this book speaks right to you.
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CJSB
3.0 out of 5 stars Not my kind of book.
Reviewed in Canada on 23 May 2020
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I was disappointed in this book - it seemed very superficial to me.
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Dinesh
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice read!
Reviewed in India on 30 January 2024
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Short and realistic stories! Enjoyed it much. Funny and at the same time tells the reality of marriages, it is a must read by women.
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therosen
3.0 out of 5 stars A fly on the wall listening to old crones
Reviewed in the United States on 9 October 2005
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Marjane Satrapi, who earned her fame writing the graphic novels Persepolis and Persepolis 2, continues in the genre, retelling the stories overheard from the women in her family. Reading it is like being transported to her parlor, as they gossip about the good and bad (mostly bad) of the men in their lives.
The book's primary strength is Satrapi's relentless honesty in reporting what she sees. Weakness of characters as well as strength is portrayed. What is essentially a book of feminine sisterhood across generations also highlights personal fraility.
That said, the brevity and shallowness of topic make this significantly less moving and worthy than either Persepolis novel.
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MS H A HUTCHINGS GEORGIOU
5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must read' for every Satrapi fan!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2015
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This is a 'must read' for ever Satrapi or graphic novel fan!! It may not be such a broad sweeping, history encompassing read as her exceptional work, Persepolis, but it is as intimate, uniquely funny and insightfully human. Everyone will wish they were part of a coterie of intelligent, spirited Iranian women after reading this work!
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myca
5.0 out of 5 stars De los mejores libros que tuve que volver a comprar
Reviewed in Mexico on 27 June 2018
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Los dibujos de Marjane Satrapi, así como las historias que cuenta son excepcionales. Te llenan la mente y el corazón. Los temas que trata en este libro son muy buenos, y te dejan muy satisfecho.
Tras perder mi primer libro por prestarlo (nota mental: No volver a prestar libros que me gustan mucho) y encontrar que por aquí por fin podría recuperarlo, me llenó de emoción. El paquete llegó en perfecto estado y el libro impoluto.
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Sa Ra
3.0 out of 5 stars A fast read...
Reviewed in Canada on 12 May 2015
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The idea of this book is really good, but given the previous books by Satrapi, I expected more into this book.
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Mar M
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on 5 August 2019
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Después de leer Persépolis, este pequeño libro fue un suspiro. Me encanta el formato de caricatura que utiliza la autora. Fácil lectura, ilustrativa y nada aburrida.
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Woven Tales of Women
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 January 2009
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Embroderies seems at first glance, to be a collection of funny sex stories told from the mouths of real women who grew up in Iran. However, the funny aspects of the book seem to cover up the more serious matters of underage marriage and violent relationships that are kept under lock and key. Not as good as its sister book Persposis, but fans of the first book who were interssted in the themes of female subversion from Satrapi's first graphic novel may want to give this a look.
The main downside to the book is that because the narrative jumps suddenly, it glosses over a few of the more interesting stories in order to fit everyone in. This is a collection of short stories (very short!).
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Through_Grace
4.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt conversation
Reviewed in India on 2 July 2025
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Reminded me of younger days spending time with friends who are like family, talking about anything & everything with no judgments.
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hyggehygge
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful humor
Reviewed in the United States on 4 June 2008
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Embroideries is a wonderfully funny graphic novel detailing the romantic lives of women in Iran. Each woman's story spans just a few pages, but touching, amusing punchlines are delivered every time. The illustrations are lively and gestural, capturing the personalities of Marjane's family and friends. The book is very relatable. It would be a good discussion starter for a book club or a parent broaching the subject of love, romance and courtship to young women.
One of the more amusing stories is told by a woman who, after noticing that her middle aged husband was being distracted from her middle age self by twenty-something women, had plastic surgery that took fat from her behind and used it to perk up her breasts. He loves her new breasts - but in fact is kissing her rear!
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Genoveva
1.0 out of 5 stars Libro
Reviewed in Mexico on 24 September 2024
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No se entienden los escritos. Viene en forma de caricatura. Mala compra.
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Cristal
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 April 2014
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It's hard to beat Persepolis but I still really enjoyed this insight into Iranian women. Warm, interesting and funny too.
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Amirah, California
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is hilarious. The illustrations are fantastically showing the story.
Reviewed in the United States on 16 June 2022
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I had read this book years ago, and the stories and illustrations still make me laugh. I ordered a copy so I could pass it on to my female friends. It is hilariously funny. I was rolling on the floor laughing. Great gift for your female friends.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Humour at its best
Reviewed in India on 17 January 2025
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So subtle, funny, yet depicts the picture of Iranian society, culture and oppression. Humour at its best.
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