Graphic Challenge: Persepolis

 For my second graphic novel, I decided to read Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. I have read all of her other works but have always shied away from her most famous book. I thought that it received a great deal of hype and therefore steered clear. After reading all of her other works, I decided not to read Persepolis because I did not want to be let down. Yet, this challenge has inspired me to pick up this graphic novel and I am thrilled that I finally faced my own fears.

After rave reviews, a blockbuster movie, and a sequel there is very little that can be said about Persepolis that hasn’t already been stated. Still, I must join the cacophony of voices who have given this graphic memoir glowing reviews. As many already know, the story is about Marj (the author) who is a young girl living in Iran when the revolution begins. Her family is liberal and made up of very revolutionary thinkers, which puts them in great danger. As a ten year old, Marj watches as various members of her family are imprisoned and others are executed for their beliefs. Due to her young age, Marj gets caught up in the revolutionary sentiments that are all around her. However, she is unaware of the hazards of resisting authority and attending demonstrations that counter the government. Though her parents cultivate her passion and independence, they know that they cannot keep her safe in their homeland.

At times this memoir is troubling and frightening, yet it always remains tender and thoughtful. Despite the fact that this book is about war and oppression, it is not violent and none of the illustrations are explicit. The importance of family and close friends are lessons that readers of any age can enjoy and learn from. Perhaps the best aspect of this novel is that the reader does not need to have any knowledge of the Iranian revolution in order to understand the plot. It is also important to note that it is not your typical clichéd “coming of age” tale in which a young adult goes through a sexual awakening and suddenly sees his/her parents as real people and therefore is released from childhood. Instead, this is a true tale of maturation in which the main character finds herself and her own voice despite the rampant oppression around her. She grows up not because she finds love and has her heart broken but because she learns the true importance of family and freedom.

-DLP