Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Persepolis - Satrapi - 2003-2004 - YA Lit Week 8


Title: (The Complete) Persepolis
Author: Marjane Satrapi
Year: English: 2003-2004, French: 2000-2001
Publisher: Pantheon
Course Theme for the Week: Biography and Non-Fiction
Date Read: 03-22-2011
Overall: * * * * * (5/5)

GoodReads Blurb: Here, in one volume, is Marjane Satrapi's best-selling, internationally acclaimed memoir-in-comic-strips. "Persepolis" is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna, facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming, both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up. Edgy, searingly observant and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom; "Persepolis" is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.

My Review: This is my first official introduction to graphic novels, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. I loved that even such simple images could convey the feelings of the dialog and text, and I loved that Satrapi was able to include so much humor in her story.

The book combines the history of Iran with Marjane's own history, making the book not only a memoir but a learning tool for that time period as well. I was surprised by how much I learned not just about Marjane's youth, but about her culture.

To Purchase: Amazon, B&N

Also by this author: Embroideries (2006), Chicken with Plums (2006)

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