On Sunday afternoon I finished reading “The Complete Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. This book contained both parts of the “Persepolis” story that were originally published as two separate books.
“Persepolis” is a memoir of Satrapi’s life from 1979 to 1994 (from approximately the ages of 9 to 24). It is similar to a graphic novel. This is part of what Amazon has listed as the “product description”:
“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 life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trails 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 artwork, I knew wasn’t going to be something to truly admire. I had seen pictures of the pages, as well as parts of the movie which was made of the book, with Satrapi heading the art direction. However, that is not to say that it doesn’t play a huge role. Quite honestly, the art has to play a big role. But the lack of detail didn’t hurt it. This was more about the story of Satrapi’s life and family, not about the art. She exaggerated things to make a point, and was quite subtle when the scene called for it. What lacked in detail from a visionary point of view certainly made up in poignancy.
Marjane Satrapi
The story itself was great. Even though there are sections that pinpoint certain events in her life, given that it’s real life, many of the issues/scenes are interwoven. Given the nature of her early life, the struggles that her and her family faced, both in Iran and in Austria, it made for a very interesting read.
I think this books serves very well as a history lesson, too. Probably many of said this before, and many will after me. I am sure that Satrapi also set out to accomplish this as well. She succeeded. I knew very little of Iran and it’s people (other then Andre Agassi’s father being Iranian). And I hate to say it but I got caught up in the stereotypes of that time, too. But even when trying to back away from those, you still don’t know the whole truth. This book puts quite a few things into a better perspective.
It doesn’t take very long to read this, as you may be able to tell from my posts. And the artwork isn’t something that will leave you in awe. But the overall “product” is overwhelmingly wonderful.
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