Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi -341 pages

Book Blurb:

Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrapi’s best-selling, internationally acclaimed memoir-in-comic-strips.

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.

My Review: 4 stars

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Persepolis is the first ever graphic novel I’ve read which basically means it’s written in comic book form. I picked this book up solely because it just became the newest BANNED reading book from the Chicago public school system. I read an article that since its banning, booksellers in the area can’t keep it on the shelves. I live about 40 minutes outside the city and my local BN had just gotten in a new shipment of it, because they too, couldn’t keep it on the shelves.

The book is a memoir of an Iranian woman who felt her history, childhood and situation needed to be told. She grew up in a liberal family and wanted the world to know that not every Iranian is a zealot or fanatic. The drawings are interesting and kept the book light reminding us that this is a child’s and adolescent’s POV. The voice is witty and honest. I learned quite a bit from this book and am clearly confused as to why it was banned.