Persepolis
- First published 2000
- 352 pages
- French
This is the story of a childhood, told in the candid and unforgettable voice of a young girl growing up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. Through the eyes of Marjane Satrapi, we witness the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The narrative is a deeply personal, poignant, and often humorous account of a family caught in the crossfire of political upheaval and the daily contradictions of living under a new, restrictive fundamentalist government. It is a chronicle of a country's transformation and the journey of a spirited, rebellious girl who must navigate a world of public repression and private defiance.
Presented in a stark, black-and-white graphic format, Satrapi's memoir is both a political history and a powerful coming-of-age story. As Marjane grapples with the compulsory veil, questions authority, and discovers Western culture, she also contends with the universal challenges of adolescence: the search for identity, the pain of loss, and the feeling of being an outsider, both at home and later as an expatriate in Europe. This book offers a humanizing portrait of a world often misunderstood, exploring themes of freedom, family, and the resilience required to survive and remain oneself in the face of profound change.
Presented in a stark, black-and-white graphic format, Satrapi's memoir is both a political history and a powerful coming-of-age story. As Marjane grapples with the compulsory veil, questions authority, and discovers Western culture, she also contends with the universal challenges of adolescence: the search for identity, the pain of loss, and the feeling of being an outsider, both at home and later as an expatriate in Europe. This book offers a humanizing portrait of a world often misunderstood, exploring themes of freedom, family, and the resilience required to survive and remain oneself in the face of profound change.
What readers say
4.28
243K ratings across the web 9 in 10 readers loved it
The book is widely praised for its deeply engaging and emotionally resonant storytelling, with many readers finding it difficult to put down and reporting strong emotional reactions. Reviewers highlight its effectiveness as a graphic novel, noting how the format makes complex historical events, particularly modern Iranian history, remarkably accessible and impactful. The black and white, often simplistic, artwork is frequently commended for enhancing the narrative and conveying profound emotions. Readers appreciate the unique first-person perspective on significant political and social changes, offering insights into Iranian society and culture that challenge typical Western narratives. The book is also lauded for its portrayal of a courageous protagonist navigating themes of feminism, identity, and the fight for freedom and modernization amidst oppression, with particular admiration for the strong family dynamics depicted.
Despite widespread acclaim, some readers expressed reservations. A notable criticism centers on the protagonist's personality, with some finding her outspokenness to be occasionally rude, obnoxious, or tactless, rather than simply free-spirited. These reviewers felt her actions and dialogue, at times, made her an unsavory character. Additionally, a few critics found the narrative, particularly in its later sections dealing with the protagonist's time abroad and eventual return, to be less compelling or somewhat disjointed compared to the earlier parts. There were also comments suggesting a perceived political bias in the memoir, with some feeling it presented a one-sided view that glorified Western values over religious Iranian culture, or that certain historical depictions should be read with caution.
Overall, the book is overwhelmingly recommended as an important and worthwhile read, often hailed as a masterpiece in the graphic novel genre. It is considered essential reading for its powerful blend of personal memoir and historical context, offering a candid and often humorous look at life during turbulent times. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in Iranian history, culture, and politics, as well as those seeking a coming-of-age story centered on themes of identity, rebellion, and human rights. It is also highly recommended for individuals new to graphic novels, as its accessible format and compelling storytelling serve as an excellent introduction to the medium.
Despite widespread acclaim, some readers expressed reservations. A notable criticism centers on the protagonist's personality, with some finding her outspokenness to be occasionally rude, obnoxious, or tactless, rather than simply free-spirited. These reviewers felt her actions and dialogue, at times, made her an unsavory character. Additionally, a few critics found the narrative, particularly in its later sections dealing with the protagonist's time abroad and eventual return, to be less compelling or somewhat disjointed compared to the earlier parts. There were also comments suggesting a perceived political bias in the memoir, with some feeling it presented a one-sided view that glorified Western values over religious Iranian culture, or that certain historical depictions should be read with caution.
Overall, the book is overwhelmingly recommended as an important and worthwhile read, often hailed as a masterpiece in the graphic novel genre. It is considered essential reading for its powerful blend of personal memoir and historical context, offering a candid and often humorous look at life during turbulent times. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in Iranian history, culture, and politics, as well as those seeking a coming-of-age story centered on themes of identity, rebellion, and human rights. It is also highly recommended for individuals new to graphic novels, as its accessible format and compelling storytelling serve as an excellent introduction to the medium.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- L'Association, 2007
- ISBN
- 9782844142405
- Language
- French
Original edition Persepolis, Volume 1 Originally published in 2000 · French · L'Association
