Summary: This is a nonfictional account of Marjane
Satrapi's life up to the age of fourteen while living in Iran. She is the only child of educated
parents in an upper-class family who oppose opposed to the Shah's rule, and
rejoice when he is overthrown.
However it is a very unstable time in the country during the Islamic Revolution
and during the Iran-Iraq war. Her beloved Uncle Anoosh is taken as a political
prisoner and eventually executed, causing Marjane to question her belief in
God. Marjane has strong political
views and joins demonstrations, but her parents object in fear of her safety.
In 1980, strict rules are imposed under the new regime, particularly for women
and girls as they are forced to where veils in public. Marjane often gets into
trouble in school as she voices her strong opinions and continues her
rebellious nature. After a scud
missile hits the neighbor's house and Marjane is expelled from school for
hitting her teacher, her parents decide to send her off to a boarding school in
Vienna, Austria at the age of fourteen.
Commentary: The book is very unique as it is told
in a black and white graphical comic strip style. The autobiography may at first appear childlike, but deals
with very serious subjects of wars, religion and gender inequalities in a
humorous and sarcastic way. The combination of words and pictures convey a very
vivid historical account of this period in Marjane's life. It is a very good book for middle
school children and older in that it can be a history lesson but told in a way
to hold their attention.
Connections: Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return by
Marjane Satrapi and Persepolis (Animated
Film Distributed by Sony Pictures)
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