Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (Paperback)

Product Review
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood is the autobiography of Marji Satrapi. It tells the story of her life in Iran from the age of ten when the Islamic revolution of 1979 reintroduced a religious state through the age of 14 when the Iran-Iraq war forced her parents to send her to Europe for safety.

Descended from the last Emperor of Iran, Satrapi was nine when the Shah at that time was overthrown by fundamentalist rebels. Initially welcoming the new regime, Satrapis parents and community soon discovered that this current one is much more restrictive and unfair compared to the last. With her streak of independence that made her parents both proud and fearful, she was send to Austria to keep out of harms way.

This novel skillfully presents a childs view of war and her own shifting ideals. It also shows a glimpse on the quotidian life in Tehran; her familys pride and love for their country despite the tumultuous times. This is a graphic novel that teens can learn of the history of this important era and is of immense power and importance for Westerners of all ages.