Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a book that I have returned to many times. I first read it in 5th grade, later at the end of 7th, and most recently in the pring of my Junior year. A graphic memoir that tells the story of Marjane, a young girl in Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Persepolis uses both words and captivating images to reveal the nuance of life during that time. One of my favorite things about the book is that each time I pick it up, I notice something new.
While the novel follows the coming-of-age story of Marjane, it weaves historical details into the plotline, such as the mandate for all women to wear veils. Intertwining Marjane’s story with that of Iranian history as a whole, Satrapi highlights how the Islamic Revolution impacted families and young children. As Marjane witnesses more violence and suffering, she her childhood innocence and is forced to grow up fast. Through, Satrapi hanging out with friends and listening to rock music, reminding readers that although she grew to mature outlook on life, she was still a child.
While I have come to understand this novel as a representation of the complexities during the revolution, I first read it what my mother’s life would have been like if she had stayed in Iran. he seemingly simple black-and-white make text about war, trauma, and political unrest accessible to a wider audience however, what I appreciate most about this is that also provides room for more interpretations. For example, when I first read Persepolis, I did not realize that Marjane’s depiction of God resembled the figure of Karl Marx.
Ultimately, I believe this book is so important its blend of historical and personal through a accessible medium allow Americans read and understand that Iran not , rather just like here.