Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon. ISBN: 0375714557X.Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis 2. NY: Pantheon. ISBN: 0375714669.
Plot Summary: The story begins with the precocious and outspoken nine-year old Marjane questioning the changes that occur as a result of the Islamic Revolution in her native Iran. She doesn’t fully understand the fundamentalist assertion of power that forces the veil on women and the imprisons her friends and family members. Clever and fearless, she outsmarts the "social guardians" and discovers punk, ABBA and Iron Maiden. Yet when her uncle is senselessly executed and as bombs fall around Tehran in the Iran/Iraq war, the daily fear that permeates life in Iran becomes very real.
As she gets older, Marjane's boldness causes her parents to worry for her safety. When she is 14, they decide to send her to school in Austria. Vulnerable and alone in a strange land, she endures the typical ordeals of a teenager, including making new friends and becoming the victim of prejudice. She gains acceptance over time, and even experiences love, but after high school she finds herself alone and horribly homesick.
In Persepolis 2, Marjane decides to return to Iran to be close to her family, even if it means wearing the veil and living in a dictatorial society. After a difficult period of adjustment, failed love and a period of deep depression, she enters art school and marries, all the while continuing to speak out against the hypocrisy she sees all around her. At 24, she realizes that while she is Iranian in her heart, she cannot live in this Iranian country. She then makes the heartbreaking decision to leave Iran for France, optimistic about her future and deeply effected by the experiences of her past.
Critical Evaluation: This is a poignant and well-told memoir that really informs us about the effects of the Islamic Revolution upon Iranian culture. We witness Satrapi growing up amidst a progressively oppressive regime, all the while finding comfort in the arms of loving parents and a caring grandmother. She is defiant and energetic enough to find ways around the government rules, yet is always aware of the potential danger of acting against authorities. Her sparse illustrations effectively convey the humor, sadness and isolation she feels during her happy childhood, her tumultuous teenage years in France and her eventual frustration as an adult. These are wonderful graphic novels that depicts every human’s need for freedom, pride in their heritage and the need for the bonds of familial love. Readers will admire Satrapi’s gumption and love of her country, just as they will associate themselves with her occasional mistakes and errors in judgment. A highly recommended series (and movie)!
Reader’s Annotation:
Growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution is not easy and Marjane must sort out her feelings about the woman she will become. Would it be better to wear the veil and be close to her family? Or would it be better to stick to her convictions and stake out on her own if she must? Read this graphic novel series that tells the true-life story of one teenage girl’s journey through time, different countries and the changes in her heart.
Information About the Author:
Marjane Satrapi was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran. She grew up in Tehran, where she studied at the Lycee Francais before leaving for Vienna and then going to Strasbourg to study illustration. Her graphic novel have won these distinguished awards: The YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, the Booklist Editor's Choice for Young Adults and the School Library Journal Adult Books for Young Adults. She currently lives in Paris and travels around the world speaking about her experiences and her work.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Death and Deadly Disease, Racism, Outsiders, Acitvism, Politics
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Adventure: War
Historical: Mid East Culture (1970-1990), France (1970-1990)
Multicultural Fiction: Iranians
Alternative Formats: Graphic Novels
YA non-fiction: Autobiographies and Memoirs
Curriculum Ties: Social Studies class, History class, Government class, Book Clubs, Filmmaking class, Art class
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) The Islamic Revolution and its effect upon Iranian culture
2.) Women in Iran and symboliv value to wearing the veil
3.) Marjane’s choices and their results
4.) The value of family and love of county
5.) How illustrations enhance or detract from storytelling
Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 7- adult
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• Portrayal of teens who live without parental supervision
• Portrayal of political positions and condemnation of government authority
• Depictions of sexual behavior
• Adult Language
• Content includes references to drinking, drug use and smoking
Defense Strategy:
• Provide an overview of the Islamic Revolution and its effect upon Iranian culture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolution
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards granted to this book (and movie) by reputable organizations:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780375714573&view=awards
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808417/awards
• Provide a link to book reviews by literary journals and media publications:
http://www.powells.com/biblio/17-9780375714573-1
• Provide a link to book reviews by actual readers from a publicly accessible website:
http://www.amazon.com/Persepolis-Story-Childhood-Marjane-Satrapi/dp/0375422307
Why This Book Was Included: I remember when these books were published and made a splash in the arena of graphic novels. I’m glad I had a chance to read them and see the movie. It’s a poignant portrayal of one woman’s unusual life within the overriding framework of political turmoil in her homeland. It’s a job well done and something every teen (or adult) can enjoy. The illustrations are strong, revealing and filled with powerful emotion. The story is captivating, suspenseful and heartwrenching.
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