Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
2000 • 165 pages

Ratings302

Average rating4.4

15

Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane's child's-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to a little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.


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Series

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2 primary books

Persepolis

Persepolis is a 2-book series with 2 released primary works first released in 2000 with contributions by Marjane Satrapi.

#1
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
#2
Persépolis, 2

Reviews

Popular Reviews

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September 3, 2013

really fast read. cute and interesting. lots of historical background on Iran delivered in an easy to digest and effective way. great graphic novel.

April 21, 2009

I overcame my inability to read and look at pictures at the same time! And, enjoyed this book a great deal. #2 is on my bedside table..

October 8, 2008

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