Title: Persepolis
Author: Marjane Satrapi
Series: Persepolis 1-4
Published: 2008 by Pantheon, first published in French in 2000
Length: 341 pages
Source: library
Summary : Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's
unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in
Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private
life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high
school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of
her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed
exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and
adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the
history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing
up.
Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom--Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.
Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom--Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.
Review: Marjane
Satrapi grew up in Terahn, Iran, during the Islamic Revolution. Later, she is
sent to Austria, on her own, for her own safety, and the second half of the
graphic novel tells us the story of her return to Iran after four years of a
totally different life.
I don’t normally read autobiographies, but I’ve heard excellent
things about this. I wasn’t disappointed.
A bit at the start is the Iranian war in graphic novel form,
which is useful and really interesting because history lessons don't really
teach anything outside of the Western
world so having it all put like this is really good for setting up the
world Marji lives in, as well as generally expanding world history knowledge.
The thing about Persepolis is the way it presents it. I like
history, but i'm bad at remembering it if it's just a list of dates and events
and figures. The difference with Persepolis here is that it shows a different
view on it. Marji is ten when her school gets gender segregation and the girls
are forced to wear veils, and Marji's young age changes the way you see
everything. It adds questions, thoughts, and makes you wonder and understand
even more.
You get to know Marji
really well. You share all her ups and downs, all the hopes and aspirations and
sadness and loss. You see her childhood
and her liberal family and everything
they go through. The second part, set during her time in Austria and her return
to Tehran, shows her doing some things that may not be the best decision, but
she learns from them. I also liked some of the other characters-Marji's
grandmother especially.
Overall: Strength 4.5, more a 5 tea to an informative
and powerful graphic novel.
I would really really recommend finding and watching the film of this! The animation is amazing and will go hand in hand with the graphic novel aspect of this book. It's probably one of the best animated films I have seen in years even though it is like a graphical read through of the novel and there is no real different between the two I think you'd appreciate it.
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