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 