Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Meet the Author:

"Marjane Satrapi was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran. She grew up in Tehran, where she studied at the French school, before leaving for Vienna and Strasbourg to study decorative arts. She currently lives in Paris, where she is at work on the sequel to Persepolis. She is also the author of several children's books." ~Amazon

"Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrapi's best-selling, internationally acclaimed graphic memoir.

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." ~Amazon

Numeric Breakdown:

1: didn't like it/skip it
2: it was okay/it wasn't for me
3. liked it/worth a read
4. really liked it/loved it
5. it was amazing/must read!

An introspective, layered, and compassionate read.

I'm not big on graphic novels. I've never been one to head into a bookstore and march right up to that section. In fact, unless it's for my niece, I don't usually search for graphic novels among the latest and greatest in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Half-Price Books. It isn't my go-to genre, and although I've flipped through some of our newest releases here in the library, I'm not one to pick up and read the whole book. I'm sorry, but I don't.

However, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi was chosen as the Fall 2021 Common Read on my campus. As a new member of the committee, a lover of reading, and a supporter of books, I decided it was time to take on this newest reading challenge. So, I checked-out a copy of the whole novel (the Common Read was focused on Book One only) and got started reading.

To say the least, it is an endearing autobiography of Marjane's childhood through adulthood. It takes us through those formative years where we see an innocent, observant, and soul-searching look of growing up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. We're privy to the author's remembrances, inner thoughts, and the duality of knowledge and misinterpretation of how the changes will affect her and her world.

We see Marjane leave her home behind and head to Vienna at the wishes of her parents. They wish for her to be safe and away from the turmoil being carried out in her homeland. We're there for her high school years abroad, growing up, and trying to find her own identity far from her family. We see her struggle with wanting to fit in and deny who she is and where she's from while being proud of her heritage and the family who supports her. Readers are given a view of the prejudice she faces, the loss of her apartment, and the realization that the people she thought were her friends weren't really.

It's a candid and heart-touching look at a life that knows sacrifice. Marjane's eventual return home and resulting second departure give us insight into her life, floundering, and evolution as a person. There's so much commiseration and sensitivity to her plight as well as a fresh understanding. I wish there had been even more to this story and the gaps I feel it left in its telling.

However, I see this as the book Author Marjane Satrapi wanted to share. It lends itself to much discussion on the themes, symbols, and revelations about life in another country, its revolution, and Marjane's internal and external acceptance/rebellion of that life. The pictures were a perfect medium for her story. They packed a punch that a novel or nonfiction book couldn't compare to achieving.

My rating for this wonderful work is a 5/5. I feel it's a "must-read" for its honest and eye-opening perspective. It's an emotional and raw depiction that I encourage everyone to give a try.

Thanks for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!! :)

~Rebecca Reddell, Author