Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane SatrapiMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a memoir of Marjane's life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. This book is composed of her story from the age of six to fourteen. In the form of a graphic novel, Marjane gives the reader a brief history of her country and explains what it is like to live in a war-torn country. Although the book is a memoir and is looking back on her life, the narrative is told from a child's perspective.
This graphic novel was really, really good. I need to pick up Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return ASAP. The story that Marjane is horrible and sad at times. Some of her family members were sent to jail for opposing the current government; some of her family members were killed in jail. Marjane lived in fear sometimes that her parents were killed during a protest or by a bomb. At the same time, there is so much hope and love in this book. Marjane's parents continue to live in Iran, because they hope that their country will improve. Although her parents worry for her, Marjane's parents continue to let her live a free life, because they don't want her to live in fear.
This book briefly discusses some awful things like torture and rape; however, it is only mentioned in a panel or two. Also, these heavy subjects are being told from a child's perspective, so the "heavy" subjects don't seem too heavy. It is hard to explain, but suffice it to say, I can imagine that the book's protagonist Marjane could be talking with a fellow 12-year old. This entire book could be too overwhelming to a reader; however, the child narrator makes it manageable. It is overwhelming to a reader, because you don't want these horrible things to be happening to a child. However, you feel that you can get through it and learn from it, because of Marjane's braveness. Marjane makes you feel a bit braver.
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