Ratings213
Average rating4.3
Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life 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.
Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane's child's-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to a little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.
Featured Series
3 primary booksPersepolis is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2000 with contributions by Marjane Satrapi, Mattias Ripa, and 3 others.
Reviews with the most likes.
really fast read. cute and interesting. lots of historical background on Iran delivered in an easy to digest and effective way. great graphic novel.
I overcame my inability to read and look at pictures at the same time! And, enjoyed this book a great deal. #2 is on my bedside table..
This was a truly fantastic – spare, haunting, starkly illustrated, in turns innocent and worldly – memoir, depicting the coming of age of a young, Iranian girl. Like the best of such memoirs, the author spends equal time on the political and historical events in Iran, the day-to-day life in such a regime and normal childhood experiences.
Featured Prompt
2,752 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...