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Majnun and Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave
The classic Persian poem of romance and tragedy captured as a sumptuous and richly colorful graphic novel, inspired by traditional art of the region.
Winner of the prestigious Prix Orange de la bande dessinée ?(2022)!
It is a story known around the world. Born of an Arabic tale, it has been interpreted hundreds of times in Persian, Turkish, and Indian languages. It has influenced playwrights, composers, filmmakers, scholars, modern popular language, the first opera of Islamic origin, and individuals as varied as Aleister Crowley and Eric Clapton. The tragic tale of love unfulfilled - Majnun and Layla.
Qays and Layla were madly in love. So in love, it has been said, that the young man could not contain his passion for his beloved, singing to the winds with such fervor he was given the nickname “Majnun” — The Madman. But their love could not be, as the lovers were separated by fate and man, leading to a tragic end for these star-crossed souls.
Experience the classic Persian poem as painted in the lush palette of artist Yann Damezin. Through his brush, we see a decadent and sensorial world, one as raw and vulnerable as the love between the Majnun and his Layla.
Winner of the prestigious Prix Orange de la bande dessinée ?(2022)!
It is a story known around the world. Born of an Arabic tale, it has been interpreted hundreds of times in Persian, Turkish, and Indian languages. It has influenced playwrights, composers, filmmakers, scholars, modern popular language, the first opera of Islamic origin, and individuals as varied as Aleister Crowley and Eric Clapton. The tragic tale of love unfulfilled - Majnun and Layla.
Qays and Layla were madly in love. So in love, it has been said, that the young man could not contain his passion for his beloved, singing to the winds with such fervor he was given the nickname “Majnun” — The Madman. But their love could not be, as the lovers were separated by fate and man, leading to a tragic end for these star-crossed souls.
Experience the classic Persian poem as painted in the lush palette of artist Yann Damezin. Through his brush, we see a decadent and sensorial world, one as raw and vulnerable as the love between the Majnun and his Layla.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 24, 2023
In a Nutshell: A graphic novel version of the old Arabic legend about the unfulfilled love of Layla and Majnun. Outstanding illustrations. The textual content was a mixed bag for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
This graphic novel was originally published in France in 2022 under the title ‘Majnun et Leili, chants d’outre-tombe’. This English translation is due for publication in November 2023. The source for this work is the epic 4600-stanza poem by 12th century Muslim poet Nizami Ganjavi
Western readers might think of Romeo & Juliet when it come to a story about star-crossed lovers. But here in India, we first hear of two other couples: Heer & Ranjha, and Layla & Majnun, though strictly speaking, the latter are of Arabian than Indian origin. When I saw this graphic version retelling this classic Arabic undying-love story, I knew I would give it a go.
One interesting aspect for me was the order of the couple’s names in the title. The original poem is “Layla and Majnun”. In India and the Indian subcontinent as well, we know this story as the tale of Layla and Majnun. (Spelt slightly differently here: Laila and Majnu.) But this graphic adaptation chooses to put Majnun before Layla. Wonder why!
I haven’t read the original but am familiar with it through adaptations. Based on what I know, this novel seems mostly faithful to the foundational work. I am not too sure about its depiction of Layla’s fate as it doesn’t match any version I know. Ganjavi’s poem also didn’t end this way. However, as there are many adaptations of the original legend, this ending might have been taken from a source I am not familiar with.
The text is where I struggled much to connect with this novel. The original is an epic poem, so there is of course a strong element of poetry and philosophy threaded into its motif of eternal love. This translation stays very true to the poetic flavour, and thus, every page feels more like a verse than an ordinary sentence, with the words conjoining to create a symphony of love and loss. All this would have been very good had I comprehended and appreciated poetry. I don’t. (My poetic bone is not even a vestigial organ; it is simply non-existent.) I guess I was hoping that the poem would be adapted to a more prose-dominated version. I do understand why simple prose wouldn’t have worked for the book, but the poetry in this case appears more forced than mellifluous. The overall effect is very artificial.
The themes are consistent with the original, touching upon unrequited love, obsession, society, scandal, and mental degradation. But the most impactful one for me was how the book highlighted Layla’s compulsion to put on a happy face for those around her even when her heart was broken, and still be at the receiving end of jibes. The effect of a patriarchal culture on its women comes out excellently through the text and graphics of those pages.
I am not happy with the translation though. The words chosen are sometimes overly abstruse (concupiscence, logorrhoea, egregore?!?!? 😕) I might have accepted these as a stylistic choice for retaining the sanctity of the classic language. But in that case, how do I explain the presence of a banal expression such as “Let him shut his trap” popping up in the same work? Or of a 7th century Muslim character using a biblical idiom, remarking, ”I am condemned to carry that cross”? Either go classic or go contemporary in the translation – this weird medley doesn’t work!
The graphics elevate this work to a completely new level. Every page is almost hypnotic in its effect, with stunning motifs inspired by the culture. The characters are exaggerated or diminished as per the sentiment of the prose. The depiction of the threads of love between Majnun and his Layla left me speechless. They do seem too exotic at times, but I guess that goes with the classic grand nature of the poem. These illustrations are not sketches for the eyes but for the heart and soul.
Because of the artwork, the textual content is restricted to the white space between the panels. Even spoken dialogues comes only in the white space with no speech bubbles. This works in favour of the graphics, but takes some time getting used to.
Recommended, yes, but with reservations. This graphic version isn’t for all. But if you are either interested in experiencing a classic love story from another culture, or keen to glance at some stellar illustrations, or of philosophical bent of mind that would enjoy the story of a love that is divine in its essence AND have a fondness for poetry, this is for you. Keep the dictionary handy. 😉
3 stars.
My thanks to Humanoids Inc. and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Majnun and Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Fun fact: Eric Clapton was much moved when he read the story of Layla and Majnun in a book gifted to him, as it reminded him of his doomed love for Patty Boyd, then the wife of Clapton’s friend George Harrison. This soulful connect resulted in his song ‘Layla’.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
The narrative tells us of an Arabic poet named Qays, and his ladylove Layla. They fall in love while very young. Qays’ love soon turns into an obsession, and he begins composing poems about his intense feelings. His community gives him the name “Majnun”, meaning “The Madman.’ Majnun is unaffected by his new name, as his thoughts are entirely centred on his beautiful Layla. However, Layla’s father hears stories of his craziness, and decides that he cannot spoil his tribe’s name or his daughter’s future by marrying her to Majnun. To avoid the scandal, he forces her to marry another noble. Meanwhile, Majnun, almost entirely mad, goes off to the desert yearning for nothing but Layla. After he hears of her marriage, his thoughts turn even more philosophical but his love doesn’t diminish. What becomes of Layla with her new husband? Will Majnun and Layla be able to meet and fulfil their love?
This graphic novel was originally published in France in 2022 under the title ‘Majnun et Leili, chants d’outre-tombe’. This English translation is due for publication in November 2023. The source for this work is the epic 4600-stanza poem by 12th century Muslim poet Nizami Ganjavi
Western readers might think of Romeo & Juliet when it come to a story about star-crossed lovers. But here in India, we first hear of two other couples: Heer & Ranjha, and Layla & Majnun, though strictly speaking, the latter are of Arabian than Indian origin. When I saw this graphic version retelling this classic Arabic undying-love story, I knew I would give it a go.
One interesting aspect for me was the order of the couple’s names in the title. The original poem is “Layla and Majnun”. In India and the Indian subcontinent as well, we know this story as the tale of Layla and Majnun. (Spelt slightly differently here: Laila and Majnu.) But this graphic adaptation chooses to put Majnun before Layla. Wonder why!
I haven’t read the original but am familiar with it through adaptations. Based on what I know, this novel seems mostly faithful to the foundational work. I am not too sure about its depiction of Layla’s fate as it doesn’t match any version I know. Ganjavi’s poem also didn’t end this way. However, as there are many adaptations of the original legend, this ending might have been taken from a source I am not familiar with.
The text is where I struggled much to connect with this novel. The original is an epic poem, so there is of course a strong element of poetry and philosophy threaded into its motif of eternal love. This translation stays very true to the poetic flavour, and thus, every page feels more like a verse than an ordinary sentence, with the words conjoining to create a symphony of love and loss. All this would have been very good had I comprehended and appreciated poetry. I don’t. (My poetic bone is not even a vestigial organ; it is simply non-existent.) I guess I was hoping that the poem would be adapted to a more prose-dominated version. I do understand why simple prose wouldn’t have worked for the book, but the poetry in this case appears more forced than mellifluous. The overall effect is very artificial.
The themes are consistent with the original, touching upon unrequited love, obsession, society, scandal, and mental degradation. But the most impactful one for me was how the book highlighted Layla’s compulsion to put on a happy face for those around her even when her heart was broken, and still be at the receiving end of jibes. The effect of a patriarchal culture on its women comes out excellently through the text and graphics of those pages.
I am not happy with the translation though. The words chosen are sometimes overly abstruse (concupiscence, logorrhoea, egregore?!?!? 😕) I might have accepted these as a stylistic choice for retaining the sanctity of the classic language. But in that case, how do I explain the presence of a banal expression such as “Let him shut his trap” popping up in the same work? Or of a 7th century Muslim character using a biblical idiom, remarking, ”I am condemned to carry that cross”? Either go classic or go contemporary in the translation – this weird medley doesn’t work!
The graphics elevate this work to a completely new level. Every page is almost hypnotic in its effect, with stunning motifs inspired by the culture. The characters are exaggerated or diminished as per the sentiment of the prose. The depiction of the threads of love between Majnun and his Layla left me speechless. They do seem too exotic at times, but I guess that goes with the classic grand nature of the poem. These illustrations are not sketches for the eyes but for the heart and soul.
Because of the artwork, the textual content is restricted to the white space between the panels. Even spoken dialogues comes only in the white space with no speech bubbles. This works in favour of the graphics, but takes some time getting used to.
Recommended, yes, but with reservations. This graphic version isn’t for all. But if you are either interested in experiencing a classic love story from another culture, or keen to glance at some stellar illustrations, or of philosophical bent of mind that would enjoy the story of a love that is divine in its essence AND have a fondness for poetry, this is for you. Keep the dictionary handy. 😉
3 stars.
My thanks to Humanoids Inc. and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Majnun and Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Fun fact: Eric Clapton was much moved when he read the story of Layla and Majnun in a book gifted to him, as it reminded him of his doomed love for Patty Boyd, then the wife of Clapton’s friend George Harrison. This soulful connect resulted in his song ‘Layla’.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
March 10, 2024
juste le plus beau livre que j'aie jamais lu. je suis changé.e à jamais
May 14, 2024
The illustrations are magnificent; this is easily the most beautiful book I have read in recent memory. The text is very flowery and sometimes it was lovely and sometimes annoying. I appreciated the feminist spin the tale was given and I was glad when Majnun finally fucking died of his broken heart. If I was Layla’s father, I wouldn’t have let her marry that useless layabout either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
"Sans l'avoir décidé, sans s'être rendu compte / Des affres du dilemme elle s'était sortie. / Elle ne craignait plus, ni autrui, ni la honte."
November 25, 2023
Yann Damezin's "Majnun and Layla" is a retelling of the story of the titular protagonists. According to the cover, this retelling is based on the version by Nizami Ganjavi, who dedicated an epic poem to the lovers in the 12th century. Now, the English translation of the work is released, captivating many critics and readers in France.
The graphics, partly inspired by Persian miniatures, are breathtaking - each page is illustrated with great attention to detail. It's easy to understand why Yann Damezin received the Prix Orange de la BD. In contrast to his first black and white work, he employs colors skillfully, using their abundance to effectively convey the story and subtext to the reader.
I was somewhat less impressed with the English translation text. The original French is written in Alexandrines, and it is, after all, a "graphic poem." In my personal opinion, much of the rhythm and poetic language of the original was somewhat lost. To provide a concrete example:
At the beginning, Leyla's beauty is described as follows:
"Leïli, quant à elle, avait en héritage
Des paupières battant comme ailes de colombes
Des lèvres de rubis, la lune pour visage
Des collines pour seins, un val au creux des lombes
Son teint était si clair que, mis à son côté
Semblait sombre le lait que l’on venait de battre."
And in the English translation, one reads:
"Layla, for her part, received as inheritance
Eyelids that beat like the wings of a dove.
Lips of ruby and a face like the moon
Hills for breasts, a vale in the hollow of her loins
Her complexion was so clear that beside it
Freshly squeezed milk looked dark."
Overall, the text felt somewhat awkward to me at times, and I often couldn't understand why certain words were used, disrupting the flow of reading for me. In the afterword, it is mentioned that the translators "quasi-approximated in English pentameter" the Alexandrine verses - nevertheless, in my opinion, the rhythmic melody of the original isn't quite mirrored.
In the afterword, it is described that the book aligns itself with the Persian tradition of javab goi, where a modern artist engages in a dialogue with a predecessor, retelling and redesigning the work for a new world and audience. In this case, the very feminist ideas derived from Layla's contemplations are to be interpreted. I was at first somwhat surprised by the strong feminist tones considering that it is, after all, a retelling of a story from the Middle Ages. Overall, the character of Leyla had much more agency than one would expect, and Yann Damezin deliberately changed the ending to conclude the story from Leyla's perspective.
I would recommend the book in general, especially as a beautiful gift. I also appreciated the afterword and the glossary which explained some of the terms western readers might not be familiar with. Unfortunately, I have to deduct a few points due to the language (translation), which personally did not fully convince me.
I will definitely read more works by Yann Damezin. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The graphics, partly inspired by Persian miniatures, are breathtaking - each page is illustrated with great attention to detail. It's easy to understand why Yann Damezin received the Prix Orange de la BD. In contrast to his first black and white work, he employs colors skillfully, using their abundance to effectively convey the story and subtext to the reader.
I was somewhat less impressed with the English translation text. The original French is written in Alexandrines, and it is, after all, a "graphic poem." In my personal opinion, much of the rhythm and poetic language of the original was somewhat lost. To provide a concrete example:
At the beginning, Leyla's beauty is described as follows:
"Leïli, quant à elle, avait en héritage
Des paupières battant comme ailes de colombes
Des lèvres de rubis, la lune pour visage
Des collines pour seins, un val au creux des lombes
Son teint était si clair que, mis à son côté
Semblait sombre le lait que l’on venait de battre."
And in the English translation, one reads:
"Layla, for her part, received as inheritance
Eyelids that beat like the wings of a dove.
Lips of ruby and a face like the moon
Hills for breasts, a vale in the hollow of her loins
Her complexion was so clear that beside it
Freshly squeezed milk looked dark."
Overall, the text felt somewhat awkward to me at times, and I often couldn't understand why certain words were used, disrupting the flow of reading for me. In the afterword, it is mentioned that the translators "quasi-approximated in English pentameter" the Alexandrine verses - nevertheless, in my opinion, the rhythmic melody of the original isn't quite mirrored.
In the afterword, it is described that the book aligns itself with the Persian tradition of javab goi, where a modern artist engages in a dialogue with a predecessor, retelling and redesigning the work for a new world and audience. In this case, the very feminist ideas derived from Layla's contemplations are to be interpreted. I was at first somwhat surprised by the strong feminist tones considering that it is, after all, a retelling of a story from the Middle Ages. Overall, the character of Leyla had much more agency than one would expect, and Yann Damezin deliberately changed the ending to conclude the story from Leyla's perspective.
I would recommend the book in general, especially as a beautiful gift. I also appreciated the afterword and the glossary which explained some of the terms western readers might not be familiar with. Unfortunately, I have to deduct a few points due to the language (translation), which personally did not fully convince me.
I will definitely read more works by Yann Damezin. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2024
3.5/5
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy through NetGalley. -
I think that to fully appreciate this work you have to be interested in folklore and myths in general.
I personally didn't know that story previous this first read and while I did get the overall plot, I had sometimes a hard time understaing it in fully.
I think that the best option was to already know the basic of the story and then dive into this colorful experience. The colors of the illustrations were in fact so bright and the art was overall my favorite part of this journey.
I think it was one of the most beautiful graphic novels I ever put my eyes on.
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy through NetGalley. -
I think that to fully appreciate this work you have to be interested in folklore and myths in general.
I personally didn't know that story previous this first read and while I did get the overall plot, I had sometimes a hard time understaing it in fully.
I think that the best option was to already know the basic of the story and then dive into this colorful experience. The colors of the illustrations were in fact so bright and the art was overall my favorite part of this journey.
I think it was one of the most beautiful graphic novels I ever put my eyes on.
July 18, 2023
This was hands down, one of the most beautifully illustrated books I’ve ever laid eyes on. The visuals, however, were not the only impressive element as the translation of this Arabic poem is both eloquent and profound. This story’s exploration of love is one I’ve not yet seen articulated in quite this way and to me, that was extremely powerful. I truly hope everyone gets their hands on this one.
November 21, 2023
I'm honestly blown away by how absolutely gorgeous this book was. Every page was breathtaking. There are literally no words to describe what I feel for this book. From the verses to the illustrations, everything was perfect. A feast for the eyes and the soul!
Thank you NetGalley and Humanoids Inc for the chance to read and review this book! I can't wait to see it on Comixology, and I will be buying my own hardcover when I can!
Thank you NetGalley and Humanoids Inc for the chance to read and review this book! I can't wait to see it on Comixology, and I will be buying my own hardcover when I can!
January 17, 2024
That’s the beauty of oral retellings — I grew up listening to a different but similar version of Layla and Majnun (also the one where the woman’s name came first). This however is drawn from the original portion of a larger epic and in my opinion gave more autonomy to Layla than the version I heard. It was so thoughtful and almost Sufi-like in its attempt to verbalise and bring to life these characters.
Also the art work is stunning!! I could stare at it for hours. Some of the panels are like those beautiful Turkish rugs. Highly recommend!
Also the art work is stunning!! I could stare at it for hours. Some of the panels are like those beautiful Turkish rugs. Highly recommend!
February 14, 2025
This was profoundly beautiful. It didn't go where I expected, but that made me love it a thousand times more. Layla ain't about to die for some dude. You go, girl. I'm giving it 5 stars, just for that final chapter from her point of view. And the outrageously beautiful art. Meanwhile, Majnun's whiny rotting corpse chapter only gets 3 stars. Okay fine, maybe 4. Still beautiful, but how dare you ask her to die for you. That is not romance.
October 23, 2023
Oniriques enluminures, texte magnifique. Un conte dont on regarde longuement chaque page, dont on écoute chaque mot. A lire, à relire !
May 14, 2024
Ovaj sam strip prvi puta vidjela u knjižnici u Angoulemu i odmah me kupio zbog fascinantnog crteža koji se trudi stilski nalikovati srednjovjekovnoj ilustraciji. Crtež ne samo da je lijepo stiliziran nego su likovne kompozicije kadrova i tabli fantastične i to je razlog zbog kojeg sam tada u knjižnici fotografirala naslovnicu kako bih strip lakše pronašla na internetu, tako da se dogodilo ne samo to da je on kupio mene već sam i ja kupila njega.
Strip mi je stigao na kućnu adresu prije par mjeseci ali nakon čitanja prvih par stranica shvatila sam da ću se podosta namučiti s tekstom jer je u pitanju engleski prijevod perzijske poezije iz 1088. godine, i to iste one poezije koju je interpretirao čak i Eric Clapton, no ja sam to shvatila tek sada i to posredovanjem ovog stripa.
Tek sam ga sad pročitala i sad kad sam to napokon odvalila, moždane vijuge mi se puše od napora koji sam uložila da s razumijevanjem savladam tekst. 🙂
Uglavnom, stihovi govore o ljubavi koja je veća od života, Preludo djelo u kojem, između ostalog, kukci koji su pojeli preminulog pjesnika recitiraju njegove stihove njegovoj bivšoj curi, jer je krv koju su mu popili bila prepuna ljubavi. Meni osobno takav odnos djeluje više kao horor nego kao romansa ali to se valjda tako furalo.
Strip mi je stigao na kućnu adresu prije par mjeseci ali nakon čitanja prvih par stranica shvatila sam da ću se podosta namučiti s tekstom jer je u pitanju engleski prijevod perzijske poezije iz 1088. godine, i to iste one poezije koju je interpretirao čak i Eric Clapton, no ja sam to shvatila tek sada i to posredovanjem ovog stripa.
Tek sam ga sad pročitala i sad kad sam to napokon odvalila, moždane vijuge mi se puše od napora koji sam uložila da s razumijevanjem savladam tekst. 🙂
Uglavnom, stihovi govore o ljubavi koja je veća od života, Preludo djelo u kojem, između ostalog, kukci koji su pojeli preminulog pjesnika recitiraju njegove stihove njegovoj bivšoj curi, jer je krv koju su mu popili bila prepuna ljubavi. Meni osobno takav odnos djeluje više kao horor nego kao romansa ali to se valjda tako furalo.
December 26, 2024
“To hear an echo, you must learn to hush”. One of the most beautifully illustrated books I’ve ever read.
June 27, 2025
(4.4) A tale of two forbidden lovers processing the loss through gorgeous artwork. The lovers are physically and emotionally afflicted when facing life being separated. But there are some heartbreaking truths that come to light even in their depths of despair.
February 17, 2023
Superbe, en tous points.
July 7, 2025
« D'autres bêtes venues des sept climats du monde, / Attirées par la voix de ce frère d'Orphée, / S'immergeaient à leur tour dans la transe profonde, / De ceux qui sont entrés dans un cercle de fée. »
December 19, 2023
The Tragic Story of Two Victims of Love
A story as old as time, one told among caravan travelers resting at oases in eons past, is that of star-crossed Persian lovers Qays and Layla—two young people so enamored with each other that their devastating story of passion, betrayal and death still resonates today in legends, songs, plays, and poems—an ancient version of Romeo and Juliet.
An accessible English version of this timeless, heartbreaking tale is now available by Award-winning Poet and Artist Yann Damezin entitled, “Majnun and Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave,”
This is a powerfully majestic full-color illustrated book that is exquisite in its unique beauty, style and language. Damezin received the 2022 French Orange Prix award in recognition of his achievement in creating this masterpiece.
I’ve always longed to know the story made famous by rock music legend Eric Clapton in his song ‘Layla.’ As it turns out, Qays, the lad so in love with Layla that he was nicknamed, Majnun—The Madman—because he was so smitten. Eric Clapton, ironically, was at one time helplessly in love with another man’s wife—a modern day Majnun?
JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author and Artist Yann Damezin, and Publisher Life Drawn for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.
A story as old as time, one told among caravan travelers resting at oases in eons past, is that of star-crossed Persian lovers Qays and Layla—two young people so enamored with each other that their devastating story of passion, betrayal and death still resonates today in legends, songs, plays, and poems—an ancient version of Romeo and Juliet.
An accessible English version of this timeless, heartbreaking tale is now available by Award-winning Poet and Artist Yann Damezin entitled, “Majnun and Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave,”
This is a powerfully majestic full-color illustrated book that is exquisite in its unique beauty, style and language. Damezin received the 2022 French Orange Prix award in recognition of his achievement in creating this masterpiece.
I’ve always longed to know the story made famous by rock music legend Eric Clapton in his song ‘Layla.’ As it turns out, Qays, the lad so in love with Layla that he was nicknamed, Majnun—The Madman—because he was so smitten. Eric Clapton, ironically, was at one time helplessly in love with another man’s wife—a modern day Majnun?
JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author and Artist Yann Damezin, and Publisher Life Drawn for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.
June 29, 2024
Roman graphique poétique sur un amour tragique. Un style graphique intéressant et coloré qui traduit de façon métaphorique le texte.
August 24, 2024
une oeuvre d’art à part entière. je suis une femme CHANGÉE
February 25, 2024
Yann Damezin's adaptation of the classic Arab folktale of the two tragic lovers, Qays and Layla, utilizes a Renaissance/medieval aesthetic blended with some postmodern elements to craft a singularly visually striking book. There is a mixture of historic influences here to be sure, but the completed product feels like the marriage of ancient Egyptian compositions with the powerful framing of Renaissance era via the emphasis on proportions. The colors are very vibrant, cultivating a "stained-glass" design that feels truly unique within the comics medium, but a fitting design choice for the story here. The compositions are not simple either as Damezin really pushes to make the static nature of the classic art aesthetic work for the flow of sequential storytelling.
The story itself is simply a retelling of a classic folktale, but Damezin takes her own creative liberties with it. The prose follows a poetic structure that maintains a tender and eloquent style throughout, centered primarily on the deviating journeys our two main characters go in. Qays pines for his lover Layla and this translates into his singing and poetic recitals. Layla's name comes up a little too often in his work, making the townsfolk feel that is getting a little too obsessed with her. After one person calls him "Majnun" ("madman") for his obsessions, the nickname sticks as does the reputation. Layla's father refuses to give his daughter's hand to a perceived madman, and instead Majnun takes to the desert to live out a life in seclusion. His poetic stylings remain, which soon causes him to form a sort of animal court in the wilderness, whilst Layla continues to live in the city and ends up being married off to someone else. It's a classic tragic lovers tale, but Damezin's brilliance is able to add some subversive elements throughout to make this feel appropriately contextualized for a modern audience. Adding to the earlier praise for the artwork, Damezin utilizes plenty of visual symbolism to add subtle layers onto an already intricately laid out book.
Layla and Majnun is a timeless tale, so it's hard to imagine a comic doing it justice. But Yann Damezin's Majnun and Layla is as great of an attempt as one could ever imagine.
The story itself is simply a retelling of a classic folktale, but Damezin takes her own creative liberties with it. The prose follows a poetic structure that maintains a tender and eloquent style throughout, centered primarily on the deviating journeys our two main characters go in. Qays pines for his lover Layla and this translates into his singing and poetic recitals. Layla's name comes up a little too often in his work, making the townsfolk feel that is getting a little too obsessed with her. After one person calls him "Majnun" ("madman") for his obsessions, the nickname sticks as does the reputation. Layla's father refuses to give his daughter's hand to a perceived madman, and instead Majnun takes to the desert to live out a life in seclusion. His poetic stylings remain, which soon causes him to form a sort of animal court in the wilderness, whilst Layla continues to live in the city and ends up being married off to someone else. It's a classic tragic lovers tale, but Damezin's brilliance is able to add some subversive elements throughout to make this feel appropriately contextualized for a modern audience. Adding to the earlier praise for the artwork, Damezin utilizes plenty of visual symbolism to add subtle layers onto an already intricately laid out book.
Layla and Majnun is a timeless tale, so it's hard to imagine a comic doing it justice. But Yann Damezin's Majnun and Layla is as great of an attempt as one could ever imagine.
March 17, 2024
4.5 stars
I wasn’t previously aware of this middle eastern folktale, but I really enjoyed this modernist retelling of it. Its deviations to also share Layla’s POV give a fresh update to an old story, while still honoring the original story. Damezin’s meticulous art is similarly split between honoring traditional Arabic art styles and dazzling with dynamic modern comic aesthetics. I also enjoyed the spots of ambitious vocab throughout, slipping in words like egregore and concupiscence amidst more familiar text.
“Certain loves cannot be locked away: every look declares them, every gesture shouts them. Flames and desires stand ready to surge and the heart ignites, flares up, sings and prays.”
“That fire, if smothered, would turn to smoke, that lovers would die…”
“Often the compassion of humans toward the wretched is just a burden, an extra yoke. The animal instead knows how to be a silent friend. At times, to console, one must first be silent.”
“One loves a woman’s freedom! But once it has killed her. Then one can declare: how touching was her fate! What passion! What courage! And how strong was she! One prefers to admire the rose in a vase, without thorns, very smooth, given over to the eye. A corpse is convenient: it keeps to its box and can no longer complain. It is now too late.”
“Whoever cannot weep suffers more. The tear not shed in a sob flows within and wreaks havoc. The evil is invisible, and the soul is pierced.”
I wasn’t previously aware of this middle eastern folktale, but I really enjoyed this modernist retelling of it. Its deviations to also share Layla’s POV give a fresh update to an old story, while still honoring the original story. Damezin’s meticulous art is similarly split between honoring traditional Arabic art styles and dazzling with dynamic modern comic aesthetics. I also enjoyed the spots of ambitious vocab throughout, slipping in words like egregore and concupiscence amidst more familiar text.
“Certain loves cannot be locked away: every look declares them, every gesture shouts them. Flames and desires stand ready to surge and the heart ignites, flares up, sings and prays.”
“That fire, if smothered, would turn to smoke, that lovers would die…”
“Often the compassion of humans toward the wretched is just a burden, an extra yoke. The animal instead knows how to be a silent friend. At times, to console, one must first be silent.”
“One loves a woman’s freedom! But once it has killed her. Then one can declare: how touching was her fate! What passion! What courage! And how strong was she! One prefers to admire the rose in a vase, without thorns, very smooth, given over to the eye. A corpse is convenient: it keeps to its box and can no longer complain. It is now too late.”
“Whoever cannot weep suffers more. The tear not shed in a sob flows within and wreaks havoc. The evil is invisible, and the soul is pierced.”
December 17, 2023
This is a stunning work. I found it in my library's comics app, Library Fair. I am strongly tempted to go out and buy it now just to drool over the gorgeous artwork. It introduced me to a poem and literary history that I was unfamiliar with. I looked up the original poet on Wikipedia, of course. It seems that Yann Damezin is following the footsteps of past poets and artists in a "restorying" (as it is called somewhere) of the original poem. He did the illustrations, and he had help for the texts, but there was obviously good collaboration to get the verses and illustrations aligned.
The original story is over 1000 years old. At first, I thought the poetry was some of the most romantic poetry I had ever encountered. It was full of love and beauty. At some point, I thought Majnun was overdoing it however, with my 2023 vision. Layla has a response that is interesting and open-ended, shall we say. Quite intriguing!
There is a museum of Islamic art in Copenhagen. I have been there several times. This makes me want to go in and study the manuscripts some more because I feel, from what I recall, that Damezin pays homage to his artistic ancestors. Beautiful, beautiful work!
The original story is over 1000 years old. At first, I thought the poetry was some of the most romantic poetry I had ever encountered. It was full of love and beauty. At some point, I thought Majnun was overdoing it however, with my 2023 vision. Layla has a response that is interesting and open-ended, shall we say. Quite intriguing!
There is a museum of Islamic art in Copenhagen. I have been there several times. This makes me want to go in and study the manuscripts some more because I feel, from what I recall, that Damezin pays homage to his artistic ancestors. Beautiful, beautiful work!
November 11, 2024
I was waiting so long for this book (it was “On Order” at my work/library forever), finally it came in at another library so I hurried to get it and…
…I was a bit disappointed. Maybe it’s my own fault because I assumed it would just be an illustrated retelling of the actually story as written by Nizami Ganjavi but instead it’s more of a *take on* the story.
I thought the images were beautiful and it gets high marks for that, and I liked to ah we got Layla’s POV more - right when I was feeling like it was a lot of Majnun and I wondered if we’d hear her side at all, there was a a lot from her.
This is almost a feminist take with how she comes out of it telling him she doesn’t want to kill herself and join him, but grow old instead. I didn’t mind that, but I did mind that I wanted to actually see the story from start to finish as it was written, and not another version.
So for what it is, it’s fine, though a bit on the convoluted side once Majnun actually dies and the bugs and creatures that devour him seemingly start to take up his passion and poems…
But I like Layla’s side and the illustrations so it gets a 3.5/5.
…I was a bit disappointed. Maybe it’s my own fault because I assumed it would just be an illustrated retelling of the actually story as written by Nizami Ganjavi but instead it’s more of a *take on* the story.
I thought the images were beautiful and it gets high marks for that, and I liked to ah we got Layla’s POV more - right when I was feeling like it was a lot of Majnun and I wondered if we’d hear her side at all, there was a a lot from her.
This is almost a feminist take with how she comes out of it telling him she doesn’t want to kill herself and join him, but grow old instead. I didn’t mind that, but I did mind that I wanted to actually see the story from start to finish as it was written, and not another version.
So for what it is, it’s fine, though a bit on the convoluted side once Majnun actually dies and the bugs and creatures that devour him seemingly start to take up his passion and poems…
But I like Layla’s side and the illustrations so it gets a 3.5/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Take a second to look at that cover. Now, prepare yourself for the inside to be even better. The artwork in this book is seriously stunning. The crisp, vibrant colors and bold, imaginative design bring the ancient story of Layla and Qay's tragic love to life on the page.
I was also surprised and moved by the middle and ending of this story. I went in expecting a Romeo and Juliette-type situation and was instead hit with some relatable feminist musings and a woman ultimately choosing herself.
"Her distress remained sealed in her soul.
For modesty and honor are a muzzle
with which man has covered the mouth of woman.
Alas! To whom could I confide my sorrow?
Becoming mad with love is a man's privilege!
My despair must remain underground
and even my pain must be frugal."
I was also surprised and moved by the middle and ending of this story. I went in expecting a Romeo and Juliette-type situation and was instead hit with some relatable feminist musings and a woman ultimately choosing herself.
"Her distress remained sealed in her soul.
For modesty and honor are a muzzle
with which man has covered the mouth of woman.
Alas! To whom could I confide my sorrow?
Becoming mad with love is a man's privilege!
My despair must remain underground
and even my pain must be frugal."
December 5, 2023
I received this e-arc copy in exchange for honest review.
I don't understand poetic narration but I understand this is such a beautiful retelling graphic story of the tale about Layla and Majnun. The narration was very carefully crafted and vividly describe scene after scene in the story of Layla and Majnun.
I was affected deeply into the desperation on Layla and the hopelessness on Majnun.
The illustration had this thing that made me crawl for more.
Nevertheless, since it was my first time reading this poetic kind story, let alone graphic novel, I might biased.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC.
I don't understand poetic narration but I understand this is such a beautiful retelling graphic story of the tale about Layla and Majnun. The narration was very carefully crafted and vividly describe scene after scene in the story of Layla and Majnun.
I was affected deeply into the desperation on Layla and the hopelessness on Majnun.
The illustration had this thing that made me crawl for more.
Nevertheless, since it was my first time reading this poetic kind story, let alone graphic novel, I might biased.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC.
May 30, 2025
We have had blood, grief, and dreams.
We have had kings, sultans, and emirs.
We have had peace, wars, and truce.
We have had love, games, and pleasures.
Seconds, days, kingdoms, and ages
Did melt into nothing, and time has fled.
People lived, died, and then were forgotten,
Everything was fated to return to dust.
And this seemed to be an amoral fable
That has no meaning, a fluke, a mistake
Under the mocking gaze of the starry night,
An idiotic and mad tale full of sound and fury.
So many generations to make my queen arrive!
To ready the canvas before the first strokes.
Layla, I declare, it was all worth it
For it was the world’s soil where you would be born.
We have had kings, sultans, and emirs.
We have had peace, wars, and truce.
We have had love, games, and pleasures.
Seconds, days, kingdoms, and ages
Did melt into nothing, and time has fled.
People lived, died, and then were forgotten,
Everything was fated to return to dust.
And this seemed to be an amoral fable
That has no meaning, a fluke, a mistake
Under the mocking gaze of the starry night,
An idiotic and mad tale full of sound and fury.
So many generations to make my queen arrive!
To ready the canvas before the first strokes.
Layla, I declare, it was all worth it
For it was the world’s soil where you would be born.
November 26, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book, the illustrations are so wonderful. This is the tragic love story of Qays ibn al-Moullawwah and Layla al-Amiriyyaa which is so famous around the literary world. Here, it is an English version of the poem Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi and not the original arab poem.
To be honest, I didn't like either the changes to the story or this English translation which changed completely the mood of the story or that ending for a femenist purpose.
This is a beautiful book, the illustrations are so wonderful. This is the tragic love story of Qays ibn al-Moullawwah and Layla al-Amiriyyaa which is so famous around the literary world. Here, it is an English version of the poem Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi and not the original arab poem.
To be honest, I didn't like either the changes to the story or this English translation which changed completely the mood of the story or that ending for a femenist purpose.
Read
January 16, 2023C'est vraiment un livre assez incroyable !
Non content de proposer un texte en dodécamètres, l'auteur illustre chaque vers ou presque de sa propre miniature aux influences perses, colorée et bordée de dessins géométriques.
Un vrai travail d'orfèvre de l'illustration, qu'on pourrait étudier pendant des heures, tellement cela fourmille de détails.
L'histoire en elle-même est un conte d'amour tragique comme l'humanité en a produits beaucoup.
Non content de proposer un texte en dodécamètres, l'auteur illustre chaque vers ou presque de sa propre miniature aux influences perses, colorée et bordée de dessins géométriques.
Un vrai travail d'orfèvre de l'illustration, qu'on pourrait étudier pendant des heures, tellement cela fourmille de détails.
L'histoire en elle-même est un conte d'amour tragique comme l'humanité en a produits beaucoup.
November 22, 2023
Majnun and Layla: Songs from Beyond the Grave by Yann Damezin is such a stunning illustrated edition of a Persian classic: it felt almost uncanny to be seeing the illustrations of this level on a digital screen and not behind a museum glass, on well-preserved old pages. A delightful edition that would be a great gift to those with interest in Persian culture.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for an early copy of this.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for an early copy of this.
December 12, 2023
I am not familiar with the original poem of Majnun and Layla, but this book is absolutely stunning! The art is just fantastic! I love the colors. The ending has a nice feminist message that I think is not part of the original poem - at least from what I gathered from the afterword, but I really liked the direction that it took after Majnun meets his fate. I want to look up the original poem so I can compare. However, this book stands on it's own and it totally worth it just for the art.
Thank you to Netgalley and Humanoids Inc. for providing a copy for review purposes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Humanoids Inc. for providing a copy for review purposes.
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