The Complete Persepolis (2003)

I really have a split rating for this graphic novel-type memoir. The history of the revolution and the war between Iran and Iraq were great. I learned quite a bit, and the fear and violence were compelling. The slow deterioration of the rights of women were fascinating, especially seen through the eyes of one so young. Marjane's family and friends who were imprisoned at various times, some of whom died as a result, seemed very real to me.

I liked Marjane's parents and her grandmother, but unfortunately, I didn't like Marjane very much. She seemed like a spoiled brat through much of her childhood and adolescence. She was raised to be very independent and to speak her mind, but she was frequently outspoken in such a rude way. While I understand that she was not treated well in many situations, especially in Vienna, her abrasive way of dealing with people seemed like an invitation to bad relationships with roommates and landlords. It is unfortunate that she felt the need to get married so young and was encouraged to do so by her father. I hope she has gone on to live a happier life in France.

On the whole, this novelization of her young life worked well for me and she told it such a strong way due to the drawings that helped to visualize the restraints of the veil. I simply wish I liked her more since it was her story. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed ( )

The visual style and plot are very much mirrored in the movie, if you've seen that. This does not diminish from either medium, as both instances of this tale are very, very good.

Persepolis is also a good medium for reawakening the conflicting pride and disdain of an early-generation immigrant from countries similar in politically agitated states, capturing the awareness of a non-western life while simultaneously being aware that things could have been much, much worse. ( )

First read: June 2012.

Re-read: October 12 2015. This is such a fantastic coming-of-age story. I really should have allotted more days to discuss it in class. Oh, well. ( )

I don't read a lot of graphic novels, so it is hard to judge it. For this story at least, it is a way to tell of the events succinctly and let the sketches describe the scenes. It has a lot of narrative rather than dialogue, at least that was my impression, and I expect the opposite of a graphic novel...but again that could be my misunderstanding. Having read Reading in Tehran, I was aware of many of the concepts this book conveys, though clearly the experience of each protagonist is very different. Not amazing, but good for tackling difficult subject matter in an accessible way, if it reaches those who have not been exposed to the culture, events, or time period previously.. ( )