Yop City is in Ivory Coast in Africa and takes place in the heyday following France leaving as the colonizing government. Loosely based on Abouet’s childhood experience, this is a comedic story of love and miscommunication, which could as easily have taken place anywhere really. The trials of love and the upwardly mobile are nearly universal. Oubrerie’s artwork highlights the comedic tone of the story and creates such distinct characters. Aya wants to become a doctor and her father wants her to marry his boss’s son. Her friends have their own romantic problems and make some wildly terrible decisions, but it all seems to work out alright, thanks to a large family support structure and good humor. Readers interested in African culture, (and specifically Ivorian) will enjoy this book. It would also appeal to readers of romantic comedy.
Review by Jessica A.
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