The Complete Persepolis

Title The Complete Persepolis
Author Marjane Satrapi
Marjane Satrapi was born in Iran in 1969. She studied at the Lycee Francais in Tehran before moving to Vienna to complete her education. From there she went to Stasbourg to learn illustration. Satrapi currently lives in Paris.
ISBN 9780375714832
Publisher Pantheon Books (a division of Random House)
Copyright Date 2003/2004
Reading Level/Interest Age 13+
Genre Graphic Novel; Memoir; Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Persepolis is a memoir about Marjane Satrapi's life, rendered in black and white graphic novel format. This version is a combination of the two separate graphic novels, Persepolis and Persepolis 2. The story begins when Marjane is ten, growing up in Tehran, in a fairly wealthy and progressive family. Her inability to stay in line causes her to be expelled and she is sent to boarding school in Vienna. There she learns how to fit in, even given the distance she feels from the other students essentially due to her foreigness. Once back in Iran, Marjane attempts to fit into the culture, but seems unable to. Behind the personal story is the backdrop of the political turmoil in Iran - the Islamic Revolution, the constant violence and political upheaval. This is a coming-of-age story as well as a story about what it means to feel like an outsider, both at home and abroad.
Critical Evaluation
Perepolis is a great read and a wonderfully illustrated graphic novel. Though Satrapi's drawings are quite simple, they contain within them an extremely complicated story about growing up in Iran amidst warring political and religious factions. The book demistifies some of the difficult history of Iran and Satrapi's experiences in Europe make her the perfect person to do this. As an Iranian educated in Europe, she has a unique perspective and ability to explain religious fundamentalism and political conservatism in a way that is understandable to those for whom the Arab world is difficult to comprehend. And although her story is unique, the elements of rebelliousness, love, family, self-consciousness, and coming-of-age are universal and draw the reader into Satrapi's world. This is a great read for teens who liked Maus or Fun Home and for anyone interested in the politics of Iran. Though some of the ideas are difficult, they are rendered in a way that would make this an enjoyable read for even the most reluctant reader.
Reader’s Annotation
What's it like growing up in Iran during revolution and war? Marji will tell you: it's not easy.
Curriculum Ties A great tie-in to lessons about Iran and Arab culture. Could easily be used to discuss the differing gender roles in different cultures.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a character sketch of Marjane, leaving out the fact that she is Iranian, in order to draw the audience into the universality of her story. At the end, hook the audience with the fact that she is not only dealing with the usual issues of growing up, but doing so amidst the turmoil of revoluation Iran.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this book?
Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 2003); Alex Award Winner (2003); Best Books (School Library Journal, 2003); personal favorite and I wanted to include a few graphic novels.