Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Registered by jtiplove on 12/9/2008
2 journalers for this copy...
This book did more to teach me about Iran than every newspaper article I have ever tried to read. It was touching and hilarious and just so amazing, I cannot say enough good things about it. I really hope other people have the chance to read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
Blurb taken from inside dust jacket cover:
“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 in Tehran 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 an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.”
I picked up this book on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at the NYC Bookcrossing meetup. Thanks to jtiplove for bringing it!
“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 in Tehran 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 an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.”
I picked up this book on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at the NYC Bookcrossing meetup. Thanks to jtiplove for bringing it!
I finished this book yesterday! While the political changes were dizzying and hard to follow (I had to re-read a few passages to keep track of the foreign and unfamiliar names), the book's graphic content and emotional underpinnings were quite clear and very engaging. Thanks for letting me have it, jtiplove! (I still smile whenever I see the bookcrossing label with that mermaid and her generous rump.)
