Persopolis by Marjane Satrapi

I found this book to be a pretty interesting, and easy read!! Because I recently read Satchel Paige, it didn't take much getting used to the graphic piece.  I found the the graphics to be simple in black and white, but imaginative.  Often the I found the pictures to be supporting the text--especially seeing the facial expressions of the characters, throughout. 

This graphic novel also serves as a memoir-- a story about Marjane's childhood living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.  Reader's really gain an insight in to her life, as drastic changes and turmoil are a part of daily life.  Marjane comes from a family of high status, that put her through French school, and her great grandfather was an exiled emperor.  Although, there high status, they were constantly on alert with these changing times.  Through these times her family tries to protect her, but Marjane's opinions and beliefs are strong, even as a child--her parents and grandmother encouraged reading about society's issues, rather than taking part in them.  This causes her to grow up quite independently, as we read into her childhood story from when she was 6-14.


One part I found particularly interesting was noticing the differences between our cultures.  For example, war and death seems to be a part of their everyday lives.  We see people in Marjane's life die or are sent to prison--in this culture, these people are often seen as martyrs  and heroes.  Also, politics alone causes great casualties--whatever regime is in power must be followed, and many people were executed for speaking against those in command.  In a final example, Marjane presents a female perspective in her time of living in Iran.  I found it interesting how important of a role the veil played in her life, and especially in their society.  Those rebellious enough to not wear the veil, were often treated with extreme cruelty.


Overall, this book presents an interesting viewpoint of a child's life in the Middle East.  Even though she came from a higher class, her life was still difficult.   I am interested to read the other books and see how the story continues in Austria, where is supposed to be heading to a new school at the end of this novel.