Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

Bibliographical citation: Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. New York: Pantheon Books. 153 pages. ISBN: 9780375422300.

Awards: Alex Award (2004), Best Fiction for Young Adults (2004).

Author's website: none

Annotation: Marjane Satrapi tells her story of survival as a young girl during the Islamic Revolution in Iran.  Her stark pictures and straightforward text reveal her family's subjection to constant fear, anger and oppression under an unpredictable and radical political regime.

 

Personal Reaction: As a young girl, Marjane doesn't understand the politics and social classes that exist in her country.  As she tells her story, readers can witness her awakening and realization of what is going on in her neighborhood, her government, and her country as violence erupts, the Shah is overthrown, and radicals take over.  Removed from a school where girls and boys learned together, Marjane is forced to wear a habit and attend a girls only school where she is taught the ways of the new Fundamentalist regime.  Raised by Marxist parents, Marjane has enormous difficulty with this since she has always been encouraged to be herself and follow her heart.  Although Marjane is free to be who she wants to be within the confines of her own home, she must adhere to the rules that are expected of her when she is out in public, otherwise she and her family could be punished or possibly killed.  Any action outside of what is expected endangers citizens.  Her parents participate in protests, but there is always worry and concern about what the consequences might be if they are caught.

Although the situation is quite sad and extremely dangerous, it is hard not to laugh with Marjane when she defies and challenges her teacher, talks her way out of a possible interrogation, and insists on accompanying her parents to a demonstration.  This is a girl with guts who really believes in herself.  Marjane's story and pictures portray her strength and confidence and give readers hope that eventually she and her family will find a better life for themselves.

Front/Back Matter: Introduction, Credits.

*Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)