This book contains the final three graphic novels in the Aya series, which have apparently only appeared in English in omnibus form. This makes good sense, since each volume is short and incomplete in itself. This series is very consistent, with enjoyable characters and excellent, colorful illustrations. I’ve never agreed with the folks who see it as simply a lighthearted romp that shows a positive side of Africa – the storylines here include Aya and her classmates being sexually assaulted by a violent biology professor; Innocent living on the edge as an immigrant in Paris; and Felicite being kidnapped by her greedy father when news of her success as a model reaches her village – but it has a positive tone and shows characters emerging victorious from the problems life throws at them. I was initially skeptical about graphic novels for adults, but enjoyed this series and would be happy to read more books like this.

This is a fun series and a consistent one - once you've read the first book (and you really do need to read them in order), you know what you're getting. The more time I spent with Aya and her family and friends, the more involved in their lives I felt: this is a fun story that draws you in, with a quick pace, believable characters and colorful, evocative artwork that really brings to life the Ivory Coast of the 1970s. Abouet deals with some heavy topics, like patriarchy and sexual mores, in a story that's fun rather than dour; however, it still seems to me that if (as the marketing seems to claim) these books represent the Ivory Coast (let alone all of Africa) at its best, that country has a long way to go.

At any rate, I'm definitely enjoying this series; the third book has a solid conclusion, but I look forward to reading the following volumes.