Book Eight: Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi
Continuing the onslaught of 50 Book Challenge posts, book eight for me in 2005 was Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. I realize that some people probably won't be so willing to count graphic novels as "real books," but I read quite a few of them provided that I see something unique that sets the books apart. In the case of Persepolis, the outstanding art is accompanied by an even more engaging story about a girl growing up in Iran in the late 1970s and early 1980s - which means that not only is she contending with the departure of the Shah and the rise of the fundamentalists, but her country also goes to war with the neighboring Iraq. Satrapi's artistic memoirs are poignant and are truly essential reading for anyone who believes they understand the situation in the Middle East. As far as I can tell, unless you've actually lived in the countries, you don't. Satrapi, who is pretty close to my age, liked many of the same things I did as a teenager, hated having to wear a veil, and didn't quite understand the concept of martyrdom. The emerging fundamentalist religion is a terrible negative association for her - while her family was muslim, the honest evalutation is that they do not appear to have been too devout. From her description, such was the case with many families in her homeland. Eventually, things get bad enough that her family sends her out of the country - an event that will lead to a sequel known as Persepolis 2: The Return. I'll cover that book at a later time.
I can't recommend Persepolis highly enough. Whether or not you enjoy graphic novels, there is much to love in this one. It's a unique, intriguing way of presenting an unexpected tale.
Continuing the onslaught of 50 Book Challenge posts, book eight for me in 2005 was Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. I realize that some people probably won't be so willing to count graphic novels as "real books," but I read quite a few of them provided that I see something unique that sets the books apart. In the case of Persepolis, the outstanding art is accompanied by an even more engaging story about a girl growing up in Iran in the late 1970s and early 1980s - which means that not only is she contending with the departure of the Shah and the rise of the fundamentalists, but her country also goes to war with the neighboring Iraq. Satrapi's artistic memoirs are poignant and are truly essential reading for anyone who believes they understand the situation in the Middle East. As far as I can tell, unless you've actually lived in the countries, you don't. Satrapi, who is pretty close to my age, liked many of the same things I did as a teenager, hated having to wear a veil, and didn't quite understand the concept of martyrdom. The emerging fundamentalist religion is a terrible negative association for her - while her family was muslim, the honest evalutation is that they do not appear to have been too devout. From her description, such was the case with many families in her homeland. Eventually, things get bad enough that her family sends her out of the country - an event that will lead to a sequel known as Persepolis 2: The Return. I'll cover that book at a later time.
I can't recommend Persepolis highly enough. Whether or not you enjoy graphic novels, there is much to love in this one. It's a unique, intriguing way of presenting an unexpected tale.
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