Persepolis Book Summary
The Story of a Childhood
TL;DR
Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's graphic memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, blending personal experiences with historical events to create a poignant and educational narrative.
What is Persepolis about
Persepolis is a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi that portrays her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, capturing the political turmoil of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war. The book paints a vivid picture of daily life in Iran, juxtaposing private family moments with public upheaval. The black-and-white comic strip images bring to life the stark realities of Satrapi's childhood, offering an intensely personal yet profoundly political account. Satrapi's narrative is both humorous and heartbreaking, providing a child's perspective on the complex history of her country.
Persepolis 5 Key Takeaways
Birth and Early Life
Marjane Satrapi was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran. She grew up in Tehran as the only child of progressive and politically active parents.
Islamic Revolution
During her childhood, Marjane witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Shah's regime and the establishment of an Islamic Republic.
Political Repression
Satrapi experienced firsthand the political repression and state-sanctioned violence that followed the revolution, including public executions and the imposition of strict religious rules.
War with Iraq
The Iran-Iraq war greatly affected her childhood, causing fear, loss, and disruption in her life and the lives of those around her.
Emigration
In her teenage years, due to increasing danger and repression, Marjane was sent to Vienna, Austria, to continue her education and escape the escalating violence in Iran.
Top Persepolis Quotes
- "I wanted to be justice, love, and the wrath of God all in one."
- "To die a martyr is to inject blood into the veins of society."
Who should read Persepolis?
Persepolis is suited for readers aged 12 and older who are interested in graphic memoirs, historical narratives, and stories of personal resilience. It offers valuable insights into the impact of political events on individual lives and is particularly beneficial for those looking to understand the human cost of war and repression.
Persepolis Best Reviews
- The New York Times describes Persepolis as 'a wholly original achievement' that starkly portrays the complexities of growing up amid political upheaval, making a profound impact through its black-and-white comic strip images.
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Persepolis FAQs
What is the Persepolis book about?
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.
Is Persepolis ok for 13 year olds?
There are some pretty deep and dark (albeit very important) themes, including detailed descriptions and illustrated depictions of non-fictional violence and torture. For some younger teens, this might be disturbing, depending on what they have already been exposed to in their culture and environment.
Is Persepolis a children's book?
I would recommend this to girls and boys who are 12 and older; this book deals with very mature subject matter, and does depict scenes of violence at times.