World Famous Comics: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
By: Marjane Satrapi Publisher: Pantheon Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Pantheon Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 160 Publication Date: June 01, 2004 Release Date: June 01, 2004
Product Description: A New York Times Notable Book A Time Magazine “Best Comix of the Year” A San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times Best-seller
Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.
Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane’s child’s-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.
Vive l'Iran... I bought the two books for the wedding of my uncle (who was born in Iran). We have already seen the movie which is really good and so well made. The story is simple, effective and also funny. This is the story of many Iranians who had to leave their country because of a stupid regime. I would like to thank Marjan Satrapi to finally give another image of Iran to people who still think that everybody there wears a beard and yells "Allah" every two seconds. I recommend this book to everybody on Earth, especially to people wearing beards :)
Perfect except for a small thing The book came in fantastic condition, except on the front was a sticker that said "portland library please return" or something to that effect, so i feel a little bit like i have a library-stolen book [the review said "like new" when i bought it i think], otherwise, it really does seem new.
A Female Perspective At first when I opened this book I was completely skeptical. The first thought that crossed my mind was, "Really? A GRAPHIC novel?!" Still, it came highly recommended, so I gave it a go. This book is a necessary female voice on the Muslim history and experience in Iran. It is witty, whole-hearted, and sincere. This book is great for bookclubs, ungrateful teenagers, women, friends, anyone wishing to understand Iran, etc. Makes a great gift. I found it to be more compelling than the film.
Incredible and educational story I absolutely loved this graphic novel. It is told in a tone I can't quite describe, but it's innocent yet heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. What an incredible lady Ms. Satrapi is. It gave me insights into a society and a people I would have not otherwise had. This is in my favorites list.
Persepolis I have seen many reviews of this graphic autobiography/memoir on various blogs, but it wasn't until I read one that suggested that Persepolis was similar to the Maus books by Art Spiegelman, that I finally decided to check it out from the local library. I read both Maus I and Maus II in college, where they were assigned reading for one of my husband's English Lit classes, and I borrowed them from him. From the moment I started reading them I couldn't put them down. They were both horrifying and entrancing at the same time in their detail of World War II and it's long-term effects on a Jewish father and his relationship with his son.
Persepolis, while not about the Holocaust, is similar in that it is set during the time of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and part of the Iraq - Iran war. Marjane, called Marji, is 10 years old at the beginning of the story. Her family is at first enthusiastic about the changes taking place with the revolution, until they realize that the government is being taken over by fundamentalists who quickly enforce their strict religious rules.
Marji has an innocent enthusiasm for the heroics of her relatives and friends of her parents who have been imprisoned and tortured. She wants to hear all of the gruesome and exciting details about their imprisonment so that she can brag to her friends about what great heroes they are.
Marji and her innocent antics had me laughing at one moment, and then my gaze would shift to the next panel and my heart would sink as I saw images of torture juxtaposed with images of Marji listening to the story with rapt attention.
Marjane Satrapi's account of life under the new regime is compelling, and her dry wit creates a story that will make you laugh and cry at the same time.
I highly recommend this graphic memoir to anyone who is interested in memoirs, war biographies, graphic literature, or stories of how children deal with war. I would also say about Persepolis and Maus I & II, that if you liked one of them then you will like the others as well.
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