Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” is not your classic coming of age story. In fact, very little about “Persepolis” can be labeled as classic. This internationally acclaimed memoir is done entirely in comic strips. Don’t let that scare you away, though, as this book is definitely worth your time.
In “Persepolis,” Satrapi invites the reader into her childhood and adolescence. The teenage rebellious years are hard for anyone, and Satrapi endures them in Tehran during the heat of the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution and war. From a 10 year-old forced to wear a veil, to a teenager forced to flee to Austria for high school, Satrapi’s story is astounding.
The juxtaposition of a complex time in history through the eyes of a child provides a unique perspective that lightens the tone of a rather dark subject. Growing up in a wealthy and liberal Iranian family, Satrapi exemplifies the difference in Iran between public expectations and private home life.
“Persepolis” will provide readers with a viewpoint of life in Iran that can be found nowhere else. It is incredibly enlightening, and Satrapi’s remarkable drawings make it a true work of art.
Hannah Lapin 