My conversion into a graphic novel fan continues! A quick review now for what was, in fact, a very quick read.
Apparently, based on my conversations with friends who saw me reading this during my lunch hour, there are still people left in the world who have not heard of Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. For these readers, a quick summary:
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.
Admittedly, I know very little about Iran. We covered the bare minimum in high school history classes, so I knew the basics about the overthrow of the Shah and the Islamic Revolution, but Satrapi personalises those events, providing a glimpse into life inside the country during those tumultuous times. But it also provides a glimpse into the mind of a child coming of age under very usual circumstances, which is what makes this book stand out.
Satrapi is a delightful protagonist – unique from our first introduction to her, as a ten-year old who can’t understand why, in the wake of the Islamic Revolution, she now has to wear the veil (though she may prefer to play with it in the schoolyard). Quickly, we flash back four years, to a six-year old girl determined to become a prophet and who holds private conversations with God each night. Irresistible.
There is a pervasive sense of paranoia throughout the book, and no wonder. Satrapi’s parents were not passive bystanders to the events taking place: they were protestors, Marxists activists who saw many of their friends disappear as the situation worsened. The most chilling moments in the book come from Satrapi’s encounters with other dissidents, whether it be her beloved uncle (executed as a Soviet spy) or two communist family friends who come to dinner shortly after being released from jail, full of details about the torture techniques used on them. This kind of personal detail is certainly not what they taught us in my history classes and had an incredibly powerful effect.
I’m already eager to pick up Persepolis II, the story of Satrapi’s return to Iran after years spent studying abroad. Satrapi’s illustrations aren’t in and of themselves particularly special, but her story is and absolutely worth reading.
The Captive Reader 
I really don’t know anything about graphic novels, I have to admit to my shame that I have never read a single one. So I would have been one of the people bugging you in your lunch hour because I didn’t know about Persepolis. Your review has made me reconsider reading a graphic novel. Maybe I should just do it,otherwise I’ll never know whether I like them or not.
Exactly! I’ve only read a few (including the wonderful Pyongyang which I reviewed recently) but, when well done (as this is), it’s a wonderful format. I’d definitely encourage you to try at least one!
I’ve been intrigued by this ever since it first came out, but my lack of experience with graphic novels has kind of made me stay away. Sounds like its a great book though, thanks for the review!
Don’t let the genre scare you away! I’m relatively new to graphic novels, but there’s absolutely nothing to fear. It’s a wonderful read – definitely worth branching out to try!
I enjoyed this and its sequel, but I have to encourage you to watch the film of them. It follows the book very closely, but as the pictures move it brings the story to life. It is one of the few films that is actually better than the book.
I have been looking forward to the film for ages, but really wanted to at least read the first book prior to watching it. Now, with that done, I can watch without guilt!
I second Jackie’s recommendation of the film. Very, very good. I found the second volume of Persepolis a bit less rewarding than the first, I have to say, but they (along with Azar Nafisi’s Reading Lolita in Tehran) made me really interested in modern Iran. I read several books about Iran and its recent history last year, and I want to read more this year.
I’m definitely in agreement with you on finding modern Iran fascinating. Have you tried Nafisi’s more recent memoir or perhaps Lipstick Jihad by Azadeh Moaveni? Both look quite intriguing.
Yeah, you’ll like the movie a lot. They’re terrific books & I’m so glad you’re enjoying your foray into graphic novels!
Thanks Marie! It took a while for me to get over some prejudices I had, but the results have been very rewarding.
I really need to try this one. I am new to graphic novels–I have only read one so far! I have heard such good reviews about Persopolis.
I think it would be a great one to start with!
Never read any graphic novels, because I just don’t know where to begin.
I think this would be a great starting point for those new to graphic novels! Pyongyang, which I also read recently, would be another great choice.
hey!
maus by art spiegelman is a genre classic and a really moving narrative. it moves from past to present, united states to nazi germany, and raises important issues about family, forgiveness, and the lingering effects of history. i really recommend it!
i also loved persepolis… and i hear watchmen is really good.
good luck! i hope you enjoy 🙂
kate
http://www.transatlanticsketches.com
Hi Kate, Maus is on my TBR list but always glad to hear another endorsement for it!
I’m fairly new to graphic novels as well, but Persepolis is wonderful. I hope you can find a copy of the sequel, and Embroideries is quite good, too.
A friend recently turned me on to the graphic novelist Posy Simmonds with her book, Tamara Drewe. It’s not like anything I’ve encountered before.
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