Persepolis

Satrapi, M.  (2004) Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon.

Marjane Satrapi relays her childhood story during the late 70s, 80s, and early 90s in Iran.  The comic book format of this novel welcomes a quick read; however, the content is definitely for young adults.  Marji shares how her family had to hide from radicals, defend her right to learn what she thinks is important, and her desire to speak out and defend her individuality and beliefs in dangerous situations.  She also weaves historical facts about the overthrowing of the Shah, the Iranian revolution and the war with Iraq.  As Marji experiences the violent changes around her, she explains how her views, thoughts, and beliefs begin to change.  Ultimately, her parents send her to Austria to live with friends, and she fears she will never see them again.

Satrapi blends pictures with dialogue to portray scary and violent experiences for a child.  It also displays how God was an important entity in her childhood, but how personal disillusionment drives her away from the idealistic idea of God. She treasures independence and struggles to exercise what she believes while abiding by what her parents demand to protect their family.  She finds her uncles and family heroic, but she also learns of their deaths and ultimate price for upholding such ideals. 

Persepolis 2 is Marjane's story after she moves to Austria.  Her parents decide to have her study in Europe to learn about other cultures, and Marjane shares her tales in the same format from a institution run by nuns.

Requirement: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

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