"Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood" by Marjane Satrapi- Book Review

 

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi. Pantheon. 2003

Author Marjane Satrapi details her experiences growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution in the black and white graphic novel Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. Throughout the novel we see a Marji, young Iranian girl grow up to be a levelheaded and outspoken young adult unafraid to stand up for what she believes in regardless of the repercussions.

Marji’s story begins before the Islamic Revolution, she, like many other young girls dreams of what her life will be when becomes a woman. However, her dreams are to become a prophet and bring to light the word of God, a position that is only acceptable for a man. Marji’s dreams slowly sour as she begins to notice the disparities occurring in her own home. With the impending Islamic revolutionary war on the horizon Marji loses touch with what and who to believe in. Her mother and father explain to her the complexities of the incoming war, and Marji is not satisfied with simply being an on looker, she protests and actively defies the oppressive stance of the Shah or King. Unfortunately, as war continues and Iran becomes an increasingly dangerous place for a young woman, Marij is forced to seek asylum in Australia and pray she will one day see her family again. 

Because, Marji and her family’s life is chronicled in Persepolis as more than just fighting for economic equality I would feel comfortable utilizing Satrapi’s book in a variety of ways, within a high school world history class. One way is when introducing the idea civic duty and the importance of using your voice to speak out when you see injustice, as this is not a right that is given to everyone. Given the current political climate Persepolis would be a great way to look at how media influences our opinions, just like Marji’s father points out, and how important it is to look at many sources before creating our own opinions. Of course, Marji’s battle to be a liberated woman would also be a great way to introduce the idea of feminism. Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel offers commentary and life experiences that can be used in a variety of ways to get students thinking about history as not just something that happens around us, but something we have the option to contribute to everyday.
  

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