Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. – image & synopsis from Goodreads
I’ve heard so many good things about this graphic novel. So much so that, when I found out my library had a copy, I left home straight away to make sure no one else would get it! This is one book that lives up to its hype!
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novel that depicts the author’s childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The forward to this book talked about how we shouldn’t judge one person based on what a country or radical people do. It really set the tone and mood for the book. If I could describe Persepolis in one word it would be captivating. This graphic novel shows us what it like to grow up as a child in the middle of war. That is something I don’t think we see often, especially when it references to events that take place today.
The illustrations were simple, but the message Persepolis packed was beyond that. Once I got to the end, I was ready to pick up the next volume. Ms. Satrapi does a great job of making sure the readers get a good feel of the culture of her people. She explains things that may be foreign to us and does so in a funny way. I really didn’t want it to end. As soon as I can, I am going to pick up the next volume.
