Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Back-of-the-book blurb:  Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.  In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq.  The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

She is Too Fond of Books’ quick review:  Persepolis is a memoir written in graphic (story board) format.  There are no shades of gray, literally or figuratively; Satrapi writes her memories of being raised in Iran during the rise of the Islamic Revolution, illustrated with sharp monochromatic drawings that convey emotion while making her story accessible.

Her story is not unique, in that thousands of other young girls experienced confusion and questioning during this time.  It is, however, unusual; her parents actively demonstrate against the new regime, and friends and family are connected in the opposition.  Satrapi sees class struggles, accusations of conspiracy, and threats and consequences against her parents’ associates and neighbors.

This is a life where parties are held in secret, wine is illegal, men and women are separated, and women are forced to wear the veil.  Popular rock music and “designer” Nike sneakers symbolize opposition to the regime, and displaying them is met with punishment.  It is a confusing time for a young woman who wants to be “normal”, yet also struggles to understand and protest against the injustices she sees.

In an Introduction to Persepolis, the author discusses the changes in her home country following the overthrow of the Shah:

Since then, this old and great civilization has been discussed mostly in connection with fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism.  As an Iranian who has lived more than half of my life in Iran, I know that this image is far from the truth.  This is why writing Persepolis was so important to me.  I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists.  I also don’t want those Iranians who lost their lives in prisons defending freedom, who died in the war against Iraq, who suffered under various repressive regimes, or who were forced to leave their families and flee their homeland to be forgotten.

One can forgive but one should never forget.

Persepolis, the graphic memoir, takes its title from Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Persian Empire, located in modern-day Iran.  Satrapi connects her “never forget” statement by naming her memoir for the city in ruins, perhaps hoping for a phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes in Iran’s future.

Satrapi has written a sequel, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return (Pantheon paperback 2005), which follows her time in Vienna and her return to Tehran.  I plan to read this to see how she fares in both cities, with relative freedom, then once again under the regime. 

The book was shelved in the Young Adult section of our town library.  I would definitely recommend it for middle school age and higher, based on advanced themes and a bit of strong language.  I think it could be cross-referenced in contemporary history (current events) in the main section of the library, where it might reach an even larger audience.

FTC Disclosure: book was borrowed from my local library; somehow I didn’t return it on time and racked up $3 in late fees!

I received House and Home by Kathleen McCleary.  I’m going to read and review this novel in preparation for an author blog tour coordinated by Lisa at TLC Book Tours; this is the first book/author I’ve promoted with TLC Book Tours and I’m looking forward to working with them – the tour stops at SheIsTooFondOfBooks on September 15!. 

We moved about a year ago and I understand the angst of having strangers assess your house and ultimately make it their home; what makes a house a home?  Read on:  The story of a woman who loves her house so much that she’ll do just about anything to keep it.

Ellen Flanagan has two precious girls to raise, a cozy neighborhood coffee shop to run, terrific friends, and a sexy husband. She adores her house, a yellow Cape Cod filled with quirky antiques, beloved nooks and dents, and a million memories. But now, at forty-four, she’s about to lose it all.

After eighteen roller-coaster years of marriage, Ellen’s husband, Sam–who’s charismatic, spontaneous, and utterly irresponsible–has disappointed her in more ways than she can live with, and they’re getting divorced. Her daughters are miserable about losing their daddy. Worst of all, the house that Ellen loves with all her heart must now be sold.

Ellen’s life is further complicated by a lovely and unexpected relationship with the husband of the shrewish, social-climbing woman who has purchased the house. Add to that the confusion over how she really feels about her almost-ex-husband, and you have the makings of a delicious novel about what matters most in the end . . .

Set in the gorgeous surroundings of Portland, Oregon, Kathleen McCleary’s funny, poignant, curl-up-and-read debut strikes a deep emotional chord and explores the very notion of what makes a house a home.

Cheryl Jarvis’ The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Changed Their Lives will be published September 9.  The premise of this non-fiction book is very interesting:

Four years ago, in Ventura, California, Jonell McLain saw a diamond necklace in a local jewelry store display window. The necklace aroused desire first, then a provocative question: Why are personal luxuries so plentiful yet accessible to so few? What if we shared what we desired? Several weeks, dozens of phone calls, and a leap of faith later, Jonell bought the necklace with twelve other women, with the goal of sharing it.

I received my first “graphic” book, The Shiniest Jewel: A Family Love Story by Marian Henley.  This is a memoir written in graphic format, complete with dialogue bubbles and whimsical drawings.  I loved this book and have already posted my review.  The Shiniest Jewel will be released for sale on September 15.  Here’s what the publisher has to say:

At 49, cartoonist Marian Henley hasn’t committed to marrying the man with whom she has been dating for seven years. But as the Big 5-0 looms, she realizes that above all else she wants a child. Her story follows the heartbreaking ups and downs of going through the international adoption process; deciding when it’s time to grow up and maybe even get married; and in the end, it’s the story of a daughter’s relationship with her father, and how becoming a mother finally led her to understand him. THE SHINIEST JEWEL is a touching narrative, accompanied by Marian’s winsome drawings, that beautifully weaves together her realizations about the joy, and sometimes heartbreak, of building a family.

I enjoyed The Shiniest Jewel so much that I’m ready to take on a few more books in the graphic format … any suggestions?