The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a memoir (told in graphic novel form) of a girl growing up in revolutionary Iran. This made quite the splash when it was released, but I'm just now getting around to reading it. You can read it online here. It was adapted for film in 2007, but I haven't seen that. I'm not particularly impressed by it, either by the girl herself or the writing. I see where it might connect better with an adolescent or young adult.
from the book cover:
Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrap's best-selling, internationally acclaimed memoir-in-comic-strips.The book was originally published in separate sections, and reviews I find are often just of the one part. The work got good reviews, but there's been some controversy over whether or not parts of it were appropriate for children. The Guardian concludes:"Overall, I would give this book a 10 out of 10. I would recommend this to girls and boys who are 12 and older; this book deals with very mature subject matter, and does depict scenes of violence at times. There is also a fair amount of cursing, especially by some adults."
Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming-of-age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.
Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom -Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.
The are numerous video reviews available online.
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I spent a great deal of time reading this. I certainly learned a lot from someone who has lived it and would love to change it. It's too bad a few bad guys can speak for an entire country, and a few people here in the states believe everything they read and send out hate mail condemning those who don't speak for an entire country.
ReplyDeleteI think we'd be well-served if we read more from people in or from other countries. It's too easy to stay in your own little information bubble.
DeleteI actually liked this book. I found I had to read it without thinking about how different her life was from here in the US, and I had to read it just as an observer without making comparisons to what I knew about growing up. I can't say I got all emotionally attached to the character, but I did like the graphic novel format and the story. I haven't seen the movie though.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people liked it. I just remember thinking it was a shame that she was so personally antagonistic towards teachers and people she depended on for housing. I don't tend to like coming-of-age stories.
DeleteI've seen the animated movie but haven't read the book. But that was like eight years ago after it was nominated for an oscar, so I don't remember it that clearly. Just remembered that I liked it and it was different to see a story like that in "cartoon" form. I like seeing life from other points of veiw in other countries.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen the film. I do like films and books showing life in other countries, and I imagine I'd have liked this story better told from her parents' pov.
DeleteYes, teenage angst is not one of my favorite subjects--LOL!
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