One of the best books you’ll ever read : Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Marjane Satrapi. The book is an autobiography that depicts the author’s childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. Through a unique storytelling approach, Satrapi explores themes of identity, religion, politics, and coming-of-age.
The story begins in 1979 when Marjane is ten years old and living in Tehran. Iran is in the midst of a revolution against the oppressive regime of the Shah. Marjane’s parents are politically active and support the revolution, leading Marjane to develop a strong sense of social justice and political awareness from a young age.
As the revolution succeeds, Iran becomes an Islamic Republic under the rule of Ayatollah Khomeini. The strict Islamic regime imp
oses a series of new laws and restrictions on its citizens, particularly women. Marjane, being a rebellious and outspoken girl, constantly clashes with the authorities and society’s expectations.
To protect her daughter, Marjane’s parents decide to send her to Austria for her safety and education. Marjane struggles to adapt to a new culture and faces loneliness and isolation. She encounters various challenges, including racism and prejudice, but also finds solace and friendship.
After a few years, Marjane returns to Iran as a teenager. She is filled with conflicting feelings about her identity and her place in Iranian society. She becomes more rebellious and counters the regime’s oppressive rules by wearing Western-style clothing and listening to banned music. Marjane’s rebelli
ous actions eventually lead her parents to send her to live with relatives in a more conservative city.
Living in a strictly religious environment, Marjane experiences the harsh realities of the regime’s oppressive tactics. She witnesses public executions, mass arrests, and the suppression of individual freedoms. Despite the fear and repression, Marjane continues to question authority and find solace in her love for music and art.
As Marjane grows older, she navigates her way through adolescence, relationships, and the complexities of love. She falls in love with several boys but struggles to maintain lasting connections amidst the chaos and uncertainty of her surroundings.
After high school, Marjane decides to leave Iran once again, this time to study art in France. In P
aris, she experiences a newfound sense of freedom but also faces challenges as an Iranian immigrant. She battles homesickness and cultural differences, but ultimately finds her voice as an artist and a woman.
The story concludes with Marjane reflecting on her journey and the impact it has had on her life. She realizes the importance of her heritage and embraces her Iranian identity, while recognizing the need for change and progress within her homeland.
Persepolis is a powerful memoir that offers a unique perspective on the personal and political struggles faced by Iranians during a tumultuous period in their history. Satrapi’s black and white illustrations effectively convey the emotions and experiences of a young girl growing up in a society marked by revolution and repressio
n.
