Persepolis

Story

Persepolis is a memoir in comic strip form. The first book tells the story of a childhood in Iran in the 1980s. The second covers years spent in Vienna as an adolescent and then a return to Iran. In both Satrapi tells her story and that of her family against a backdrop of Iranian culture, society and politics.

Why we chose it

Persepolis is an influential example of a graphic novel. It illustrates what it means and what it takes to be true to oneself in order to be happy. It is easy to take certain freedoms for granted. Marjane describes the sacrifice and price many have to pay for freedom.

Where it came from

It is a first-hand account of Marjane growing up under a restrictive and oppressive political and religious regime, of an average girl living in an environment where the opinions of a few dictate the behaviour of the many.

Where it went next

Persepolis was published in French in four volumes (2000-2003). It was released as an animated film in 2007. In 2019 The Guardian newspaper listed it 47^th of the best 100 books of the 21^st century.

Associated stories

Persepoils is the ancient Greek name for Iran and was the ancient capital of the Persian Empire (550-330 BCE). In 1979 it became a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).

Marjane Satrapi has directed several films including Radiooactive (about Marie Curie, 2019).