Thursday, July 5, 2018

Book Review Persepolis The Story of A Childhood






Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon




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       This book is a graphic novel that is an autobiographical memoir by Marjane Satrapi. I have read several graphic novels, but I will admit it’s not my favorite genre of books. So this was a difficult read for read for me. The novel is mostly about her childhood living in Iran in turbulent times. It takes place in the late 70’s and early 80’s. The novel depicts what life was like for her in a changing country. Marjane and her parents are rebels against the new regime. The book is written from the viewpoint of Marjane. The book shows how Marjane adjusts to new restrictive lifestyle as well as a history of the country told by her.

       The drawings are black and white and child like because the story is told from the perspective of Marjane during childhood. Throughout the novel Marjane feels a tension between the glorious and great past of the Persian Empire and the violence and problems of modern Iran.  The book follows her childhood through the turbulent times. Marjane grows up to become a “rebel” and, after a confrontation with one of her teachers and she is kicked out of school. The Satrapi’s fear that the country is no longer safe for their daughter send her away. They send Marjane to Austria to attend a French school.  This novel is on the banned books list for young adult literature. The author went on to write three more books.


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Below is an article published in Vogue where Emma Watson interviewed Marjane Satrapi

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