Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

INFORMATION

Goodreads: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Series:  Persepolis #1
Source: Library
Published: 2000

SUMMARY

Marjane Satrapi chronicles her life in Iran during the Iranian Revolution, from the age of six to the age of fourteen.  The daughter of Marxists, she speaks out loudly against oppression and finds small ways to show her rebellion.  Translated by Mattias Ripa.

Review

Persepolis is a powerful book that tells the story of the Iranian Revolution through the eyes of a child.  Marjane Satrapi notes in the introduction that she “believes an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists” and so she tells the stories of those who fought for freedom and those who lost their lives for it.  The result is a book that will no doubt be eye-opening to many.

As the daughter of Marxists and the great-granddaughter of a previous emperor, Satrapi has a unique viewpoint and her book is full of demonstrations, meetings with political prisoners and activists, and small acts of rebellion.  She notes how overnight all the rules changed in a “cultural revolution” and how they had difficulty accepting things like the need to wear a head covering at all times, since they had never done so before.  Even as a child she feels the necessity of freedom and finds small ways to rebel through her clothing choices or her questioning of her school’s teachings.  Her rebellion is particularly admirable because she knows exactly what happens to enemies of the state.  She has heard stories of torture and rape.

However, Satrapi still manages to find joy in life and she often brings a sense of humor to the most dire of situations.  Even when being stopped on the street for her attire, she can crack a joke.  Her resilience and her bravery are inspiring, and her story is sure to move you.