Persepolis

by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Graphic Novels / Comics
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Hardback • £16.99
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  • ID: 564
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781473547421
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-06-02
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

Persepolis is a compelling graphic novel that recounts the life of Marjane Satrapi from the ages of six to fourteen, set against the backdrop of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The story is told through Satrapi's own experiences as the child of radical Marxists and the great-granddaughter of Iran's last emperor, providing a deeply personal and insightful look at the political and social upheavals of the time. The novel beautifully captures the contradictions between private and public life in Iran, blending tragedy with moments of humor and warmth. Satrapi's striking black-and-white illustrations enhance the narrative, making it both visually and emotionally powerful. Her child's-eye view of the world adds a layer of immediacy and innocence, making the historical events all the more poignant.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2021-10-21
engaging 4.50

The memoir is a delectable example of autobiography by comic book, offering a unique and engaging narrative style.

The New York Times reviewer praises Persepolis as a standout example of the autobiography genre presented in comic book form. They highlight the engaging narrative style and the unique perspective it offers on life in Iran during the Revolution. The reviewer appreciates the blend of personal storytelling and historical context, making it a compelling read that is both educational and emotionally resonant. The graphic novel format adds a layer of accessibility and visual appeal that enhances the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    Marjane Satrapi's 'Persepolis' is the latest and one of the most delectable examples of a booming postmodern genre: autobiography by comic book.

    Offers a unique and engaging narrative style.

    A compelling read that is both educational and emotionally resonant.

The Library Ladies · 2020-02-10
impactful 4.75

This memoir is intensely personal and profoundly political, offering a unique glimpse into the human cost of historical events. It is a story of growing up that resonates on multiple levels.

The reviewer describes 'Persepolis' as a deeply personal and political memoir that offers a unique perspective on the human cost of historical events. They appreciate the book's ability to balance personal storytelling with broader political themes, making it both intimate and impactful. The reviewer also notes the book's originality and its capacity to evoke strong emotions. The graphic novel format is praised for its effectiveness in conveying complex emotions and historical context. The reviewer found the book to be a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original.

    A story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of historical events.

    The graphic novel format is both engaging and deeply moving.

Claire Huston · Claire Huston · 2015-12-17
powerful 4.50

This memoir is edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom. It is a powerful and unforgettable read.

Claire Huston finds 'Persepolis' to be an edgy and searingly observant memoir that balances heartbreak with raw humor and wisdom. She appreciates the author's candid storytelling and the book's ability to convey both personal and political struggles. The reviewer highlights the book's emotional depth and its capacity to make the reader reflect on the complexities of life in Iran. The graphic novel format is praised for its effectiveness in conveying complex emotions and historical context. Huston notes that the book is both heartbreaking and uplifting, making it a powerful and unforgettable read.

Quick quotes

    Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom.

    A powerful and unforgettable read.

    The graphic novel format is both accessible and deeply moving.

The Guardian · 2014-05-06
inspiring 4.50

This memoir is both humorous and haunting, capturing the complexity of life in Iran through the eyes of a young girl. It is filled with moments of happiness, grief, and profound insight.

The reviewer found 'Persepolis' to be a deeply moving and multifaceted memoir. They appreciated the blend of humor and heartache, which provides a unique perspective on growing up in a tumultuous political environment. The graphic novel format is praised for its ability to convey both personal and historical narratives effectively. The reviewer highlights the book's emotional depth and its ability to make the reader reflect on the human experience during times of upheaval. The story's authenticity and the author's candid storytelling are particularly noted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    Persepolis is an absolutely amazing book, filled with happiness, grief and moments of profound insight.

    It captures the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life in Iran.

    The graphic novel format is both accessible and deeply moving.

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