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- Riad Sattouf‘s autobiographical series, “the Arab of Tomorrow,” brought him important recognition.
- Esther’s story in the comic series offers insights into a young Parisian’s life, shaped by her parents’ choices and contemporary events.
- The younger generation experiences a more connected world,which can impact their perspectives and understanding of life.
PARIS, 2025-06-20 13:01:00 – Riad sattouf, celebrated for his autobiographical series “The Arab of Tomorrow,” offers a captivating lens through which to view contemporary life, particularly in his work featuring Esther. His approach offers a refreshing outlook on how the younger generation navigates a world saturated with facts, a stark contrast to earlier times.
Crafting a Narrative
how did Sattouf collaborate with Esther to capture her voice? Sattouf utilized conversations,messages,and emails to build trust and capture Esther’s unique viewpoint,incorporating elements from her stories as inspiration for his creative process.
Key Insight: sattouf’s method of collaboration with Esther highlights the importance of trust and open interaction in capturing authentic perspectives.
Sattouf approached their interactions with an open mind, taking inspiration from Esther’s narratives but not strictly adhering to every detail. He described the process as using “cooking ingredients” from her life, transforming them into something new. This approach allowed for a comfortable exchange, where the comic differed from Esther’s real life.
A Parisian Perspective
esther,a student in a private Parisian school,has witnessed significant events,including protests and attacks.Her experiences, though shaped by her parents’ protective approach to shielding her from news, offer a unique view of contemporary history.
Key Insight: Esther’s sheltered yet observant perspective provides a unique lens through which to examine contemporary events and their impact on young people.
Sattouf aimed to depict the world through a child’s eyes, showcasing how understanding can shift without complete information.This concept highlights how people frequently enough form opinions without fully grasping the intricacies of situations.
Riad Sattouf and Richard dumas.
Photo: Allary-Éditions

A Generation’s Change
The youth of today, contrasted with previous generations, experience a world that has become smaller, losing some of its mystery. Social networks and constant access to the internet provide detailed insights into how people live globally.
Key Insight: The accessibility of information in the modern world has fundamentally altered the experience of youth, perhaps diminishing the sense of wonder and finding.
The loss of secrets in the world can be disheartening. sattouf reflected on his own experience wanting to be a comic author, imagining the mystical universe of such a life. Today, everything about comic authors is available at your fingertips.
A sample side from Esther’s diaries from Riad Sattouf, Volume 9.
Photo: Reprodukt-Verlag
Sattouf acknowledges the challenge the modern world poses to the simple wonder of discovery, a sentiment underscored by the younger generation’s constant access to information. The sense of mystery is ofen reduced. esther’s life, however, provides an engaging counterpoint to this trend. “Esther’s Diaries” doesn’t try to erase these influences; rather, it integrates them into her perception, portraying the way information saturation shapes individual experiences.
Key Insight: The series reflects the idea that while the world may have lost some of its mystery, it presents new complexities that influence how young people understand their place in the world.
The narrative of “Esther’s Diaries” allows for a complex exploration of contemporary life, going beyond mere documentation. While the series borrows from Esther’s experiences, it also allows for artistic license.this nuanced approach acknowledges that the reality and depiction of a story are not one and the same. Sattouf uses this versatility to creatively shape the narrative, allowing readers to see Esther’s viewpoint through an external yet compassionate lens.
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