Friday, December 9, 2016

Persepolis

Persepolis is one that I read years ago, before I began to have memory problems. At some point I also saw the film version. (Unfortunately all I remember of it is the song "Eye of the Tiger" playing during it, and its unique style that mimics the illustrative comic book style.) I may end up watching the film tomorrow and making a review of it as well.

The Complete Persepolis
Author/artist: Marjane Satrapi

This book has a very unique style to it, and to me is immediately identifiable as Ms. Satrapi's work.




It should be noted that this is the "complete" version of her tale, it has been published in a two volume set as well as a four volume set.  All parts have been translated into english by: Mattias Ripa (for the first of the 2 part set, or the first two of the 4 part set) and Blake Ferris  for the remainder.

This is not a story for those easily shocked. This is a memoir piece of a very hard (and continually hard) time in Iran. It is a wartime piece, a piece that happens during the revolution. A lot of the ideas in it will seem completely alien to those who have never experienced alienation or huge shifts to your fundamental rights.
This woman grew up during a turbulent time where things were rapidly changing and life grew increasingly dangerous. She tells her life, as one of the privileged few who was able to escape radical ideals (if even for a short while, with the ability to go abroad for schooling) and experience her own way of "finding herself" on her own terms instead of being abruptly forced into the life imposed upon other young women of her generation.

It is a good read. A tale of change, learning, and the human condition. I look forward to reading this again at some point and potentially reading other works by Ms. Satrapi if I can find translated copies.
It is especially poignant in our current time, when racism and fear have become once again unveiled and rampant throughout our communities. 


ISBN: 978-0-375-71483-2

2 comments:

  1. I've seen this in bookstores and the film version on Netflix, but I've not yet watched/read it. Time to move it up the queue :)

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    1. Go for it. =) I think its suitable pink elephants material.

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