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: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781473547421
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-06-02
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

Persepolis is a graphic memoir that chronicles 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. Through her intelligent and outspoken narrative, Satrapi provides a child's eye view of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life in Iran, offering a deeply personal and moving account of her family's experiences. The book is not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also a beautiful piece of art, with Satrapi's drawings capturing the essence of her story with the power of the best woodcuts. /n/n The memoir is a blend of tragedy and humor, as Marjane navigates the complexities of growing up in a country torn apart by political upheaval. Her story is one of an extraordinary and loving family that buffers her from the unthinkable, making it a deeply moving and unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran. The book's unique format and Satrapi's distinctive artistic style make it a standout in the genre of graphic novels.

Reviews
Life of a Female Bibliophile · 2025-12-14
compelling 4.75

The author is a fantastic storyteller who connects with her audience on a personal level. Her life story is told with honesty and depth, making it a captivating read.

Marjane Satrapi's storytelling is both engaging and personal, drawing readers into her world with ease. Her ability to share her life story with such honesty and depth makes this book a compelling read. The graphic novel format adds a unique layer to the narrative, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. The author's connection with her audience is palpable, making this a memorable and impactful read. The blend of personal anecdotes and historical context creates a rich and layered story that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    Satrapi is fantastic! She is such a great storyteller and writer.

    She connects with her audience on a personal level and she tells her life story.

    The graphic novel format adds a unique layer to the narrative.

The Freudian Couch · 2021-12-07
insightful 4.25

This is not a novel but a memoir of a teenager growing up in tumultuous times in Iran. The narration starts during the Iranian revolution, providing a unique perspective on historical events.

Marjane Satrapi's memoir offers a unique and intimate look into the life of a teenager navigating the complexities of growing up in Iran during the revolution. The narrative is both personal and historical, providing a rich context for the events described. The author's ability to weave her personal experiences with broader historical context makes this book a valuable and insightful read. The simplicity of the art style enhances the impact of the story, making it even more poignant. The memoir is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    This is not a novel, it is a memoir of a teenager growing up in tumultuous times in Iran.

    The narration starts during the Iranian revolution, providing a unique perspective on historical events.

    The simplicity of the art style enhances the impact of the story.

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.

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