Summary
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood is the autobiographical story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran, told through black and white comic strips. Beginning with the fall of the Shah, and continuing through the Islamic Revolution and the war between Iran and Iraq, we see Marjane's and her parents' everyday life, as well as the hardships they face during this period of history.
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood is the autobiographical story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran, told through black and white comic strips. Beginning with the fall of the Shah, and continuing through the Islamic Revolution and the war between Iran and Iraq, we see Marjane's and her parents' everyday life, as well as the hardships they face during this period of history.
Evaluative comments
This is an extremely well written and drawn graphic novel. Satrapi draws the reader in, both through the writing of each episode, and through her stark images. Appropriately, the book does not shy away from heavier topics, but there is a certain level of humour that prevents the book from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Not only is the story captivating, but it also presents an informative point of view on this particular period of Iranian history.
This is an extremely well written and drawn graphic novel. Satrapi draws the reader in, both through the writing of each episode, and through her stark images. Appropriately, the book does not shy away from heavier topics, but there is a certain level of humour that prevents the book from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Not only is the story captivating, but it also presents an informative point of view on this particular period of Iranian history.
Suggested audience
Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Plot-driven, strong sense of place, disturbing, though-provoking
Read-alikes - Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, Marjane Satrapi (sequel); Maus: A Survival's Tale, Art Spiegelman
Appeal terms - Plot-driven, strong sense of place, disturbing, though-provoking
Read-alikes - Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, Marjane Satrapi (sequel); Maus: A Survival's Tale, Art Spiegelman
Booktalking hook
Read the last paragraph of the Introduction about Satrapi's reasons for writing Persepolis. Read and show "The Party" episode, pp. 40-46
Read the last paragraph of the Introduction about Satrapi's reasons for writing Persepolis. Read and show "The Party" episode, pp. 40-46
Reason for inclusion
Awards and Honours - Harvey Award, ALA Alex Award, 2004; Prix du Festival d'Angoulême for Alph-art du coup de coeur, 2001
Awards and Honours - Harvey Award, ALA Alex Award, 2004; Prix du Festival d'Angoulême for Alph-art du coup de coeur, 2001
Category
Graphic Novel, Realistic, Award-Winning
Graphic Novel, Realistic, Award-Winning
