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Summary: War and Oppression Through The Eyes of A Child
Review: Persepolis is the autobiography of Marjane Satrapi told in graphic novel form. It can most easily be described as a combination of of Maus and The Diary of Anne Frank. However, it is much more than that. It is a book that stands on its own with an account and lessons that are both unique and deeply personal. At its most basic level, Persepolis is a history of Iran. It begins with an introduction which recounts a brief history of Iran from its founding until the Islamic Revolution. The story of the Satrapi family then takes over. It reveals how a relatively progressive family must cope and change every aspect of their lives under an increasingly oppressive regime. This story is told from the eyes of a fiercely independent young girl. She must not only deal with the normal circumstances of growing from a child to an adult, but she also has to grow up dealing with Iran's Islamic Revolution and its war with Iraq. She must learn to deal with the imprisonment and "disappearance" of many people who she knows and knows of. She must also cope with having to hide the person she is since most of her interests and thoughts are illegal in her country. I read a review of this book several months ago and knew I just had to read it. It turned out to be much more than I ever thought it would be. Although it is an "easy read" and in comic book format, the emotions and thoughts of Satrapi and the people around her come through quite poignantly. I recommend this book for the story it tells and the emotions it conveys. I believe it will be enjoyable to people of many ages and backgrounds. I can't wait to read the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: The story of a young a girl during the Iranian revolution and into wartime with Iraq is at times touching and funny, and at others absolutely horrifying. Satrapi truly captures the nature of these difficult times without pandering to emotion or losing the innocence of a child's point of view. The story is split into 'chapters' which can sometimes make the story seem a little disjointed, but never enough to really distract. The artistic style is simple but effective, and really captures some of the more surreal moments, such as her conversations with God. Definitely a must read.
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Summary: We need more books like this in the world!
Review: I am a fan of graphic novels, especially ones that can teach me something. Marjane Satrapi's book did just that. PLUS, it was fun to read. Looking forward to her next book already!
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but no MAUS
Review: Marjane ain't got it up on Art, that's for sure. Read this and enjoy because it's a powerful memory trip, but Spiegelman's Maus runs circles around it. My daughter read it and complained that the characters "all look the same." I agree, and I too see that as a problem. That wasn't a problem in Maus, where the similarity of the characters to each other was part of the point (German stereotypes about Jews saw them as all the same, like mice, etc.). All in all, the horrors of life-during-wartime are effectively conveyed here, and the trials and losses of Marjane should make American readers realize how good they've got it in their giant, insulated bubbleland. Won't be long though, thanks to our current administration. Reading this book should make Americans realize what they've got comin as a result of not listening to the messages of supposedly mindless "terrorists." The daily surreality and death of "blowback" are on their way, ushering in another stolen election. The brief mentions of American government complicity in the horrors offered by Satrapi are noble, and one can only hope that she'll reveal more of it in a sequel. Becoming fully aware of that complicity, and stopping it, is the only way the relatively idyllic peace of America will continue.
Rating:
Summary: Very interesting although hard to read
Review: It takes time getting into this book and even once you do - you remain in a slight state of shock...a little uncomfortable. Comic horrors? ... The mind does not grasp this mode of writing, especially in the beginning when you wonder whether to laugh or cry and remain with an uneasy feeling of "something is wrong". Yes, you are right, something is definitely wrong. This however is a feeling I assume the writer wanted you to feel - you are in horror, but life goes on so you find things to laugh about. You have to try and continue your regular life, even if it's living under a strict regime.
I guess it is always easier to understand history when you know the small mundane details of the lives of one person or one family. Otherwise this history is not comprehensive. Was it not easier to believe that all Iranians accepted the new regime and its new policies? Sarapti makes you understand how life could have gone on in spite of the surrounding atmosphere and gives you an inside look of what was the surrounding atmosphere.
"This really happened" or "My father really said that" mentions the author several times in the book as if to say: "pay attention, this really happened. It might seem crazy but no, I have lived in this craziness".
As I wrote before the writing is not always comprehensible. In the beginning the author mentions several issues you fully understand only in a second reading or only later in the book - for example "our maid did not eat with us", "my dad drove a Cadillac" or different conversations with god. In the beginning, when you come armed with your expectations about the book this does not fit at all, but only falls to place much later. All this adds to the stark feeling of this book magnified by the black and white drawings.
The most haunting picture is of course the last one who can touch every person who had to experience separation. At once the tragedy of this whole situation is made clear.
The book is very interesting although not enjoyable - was never intended to be such.
Rating:
Summary: So Simple, So beautiful
Review: I started the book thinking it's light reading... that, it was not. I couldn't put the book down. Marjane takes you with her on a journey through Islamic Revolution and the years that follow.
I laughed, I cried and I relived.
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Summary: An interesting read...
Review: ...that gave me a better understanding of a people and their condition. I wonder how many people like Marjane are trapped in that country waiting for change...
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Summary: The Story of a Generation
Review: I simply could not put down this book after I started reading it. It refreshed my memories of revolution and war, memories that I thought were gone. I have come to realize that every life is a novel, but not many people can read it, and even fewer people can write their own. Marjane has done this for a whole generation. The book is full of humor, but it's not always funny. Some of the illustrations make you freeze. It was so powerful that inspired me to learn illustration!
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Summary: Essential reading to understand today's world
Review: This book is essential reading to help us understand today's world from the perspective of an ordinary person. Iran is one of the most important, pivotal countries in the world today - and the more we know about that nation the better (especially if it really has nukes....) The writer's story mirrors that of many of the Iranian exiles I know personally and is therefore a great help in understanding a nation that we all need to know far more about. Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)
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Summary: The Iranians as People, Not Evil
Review: Having dated an Iranian who illuminated for me that Iran is not quite the 'axis of evil' it has been made out to be - but a place whose people have suffered in the face of oppressive government regimes-- I can honestly say this book in its simple but profound way, shows the warmth, humor, intelligence and vulnerablity of the Iranian people. I have read other books, such as Persian Mirrors, which give the reader a clear sense of Iran's history. But until reading this book, I had yet to find material which showed Iranians' sensitivity, kindness and love of family, feasts and the finest things in life. Satrapi's book reminds us to be compassionate at a time when fear & anger easily eclipses our best intentions.
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