Persepolis

Marjane Satrapi’s, “Persepolis,” is an uplifting and emotional biography of her life. The Iranian Revolution is at its peak in 1980, and the boys and girls are separated. Her parents involved themselves in protests in their city of Tehran. Her parents wanted a better life for her, so they sent her to live in Vienna and attend a boarding school. At times, she tries to get through life with her faith, but it was a mental and emotional struggle. Marjane’s grandfather served as prime minister for a bit, but he was sent to prison shortly for opposing the regime of Iran. Her father actively protested and would risk his life, but Marjane was young and did not have enough understanding of what was occurring in her country. Iran strictly set a conservative regime, forcing women to wear veils, up to today. Later when she is older, she moves to Europe, attends art school and marries Rezza, a painter that she met there. She learns that freedom comes at price, and hopes for her country of Iran to evolve.

               

The organization of the book is interesting and keeps the reader hooked. She transitions between stories from the past and the present. It is a shorter read, but her language and detail portray a very unique story.

Book Review by Christine V.