Persepolis - Book Review

Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood.  

Pantheon, 2003. 153 p.  $16.06.  978-0375422300.

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel narrates the childhood of the author as she grows up during the Iranian revolution. The story begins in 1980 when Marji, and her schoolmates are required to wear the veil to school. None of the girls understand why this is necessary, but as Marji develops and learns about the revolution and its issues, so too does the reader. Marji is highly literate, reading ideological and philosophical works, as well as works by revolutionaries, and reflects on what is happening around her: disappearances, executions, riots, and bombings. The political content is highly personalized in a way that makes this era understandable and accessible to teens; for example, Marji risks her freedom by publicly wearing makeup, and collecting contraband Michael Jackson cassettes.

Marji’s strong relationships with her family run throughout the book: her mother and grandmother provide positive female role models in a society where women are often marginalized, and her relationship with her beloved uncle provides the emotional climax of the novel. The emotional and political content may not make this title appropriate for all tweens, but mature tweens and teenagers will find it particularly moving and engaging.

Like Maus, Persepolis: Story of a Childhood is a must-have for any core graphic novel collection. Since the publication of Story of a Childhood, Satrapi has now published three subsequent volumes, and The Complete Persepolis is now available in a compendium format. Persepolis has also been made into an animated film (Columbia / Tri-Star), co-directed and written by Satrapi herself.

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