Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis.
NY: Pantheon Books
This autobiography graphic novel is about our author,
Marjane Satrapi, who is a young girl in Iran.
Marjane, or Marji, grew up during the time the Shah is overthrown and a
new Islamic regime takes control.
Written through the eyes of a child, readers are educated on the history
and background of the sufferings of the country. Marji is educated about politics through family
history lessons, her own readings, and paying attention to adult
conversations. Her school has changed
what they are teaching, she must attend an all-girl school now, and she is
forced to wear a veil. The influence of
politics and forced control is explained through Marji describing the changes
her country is facing. Marji learns more
than she wants to about war, mass death counts, torture tactics, and the evil
people are capable of. As Marji grows
up, her courage and bravery grow with her.
After losing loved ones and dear friends due to violence, Marji decides
to speak up. She is kicked out of school
and her parents realize Iran is no longer safe for their fierce daughter who
they have taught to remember where she came from. Marji’s parents make a difficult decision to
send Marji to Europe with a promise they will follow her shortly after several
months. As Marji prepares for her move,
she realized her parents will probably not be moving with her, that they will
more than likely only be able to come for visits.
Satrapi does a beautiful job of combining the history and
background of a culture with a modern day graphic novel. How certain laws and customs of this nation
came about was extremely interesting and eye-opening. I found myself researching countries and
names of rulers to better understand how a nation could end up with these
results. I was embarrassed of my lack of
knowledge. Readers will open their minds
to any prejudices they have about grouping all the Iranian people together as one. Reading stories like Marji’s is vital to
understanding what many of the people have lived through and the nightmare of
the sufferings.
To learn more about Marjane’s story and her sequel to this
novel. Visit this website: https://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2006-Ra-Z/Satrapi-Marjane.html
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