Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Satrapi Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. 2003. 153p. ISBN 978-0-375-42230-0. Available in the library's graphic section.

Marjane is a child living in an upper-income Iranian bourgeois family. For years, the political climate in Iran has been deteriorating, and people have been protesting in the streets. Her parents are politically active, and Marjane discovers that many people in her family have been imprisoned or executed by the Shah and his security service. When the government falls, however, an Islamic republic replaces it, where religion dictates every aspect of public life.

Soon, Marjane and her family’s life changes for the worse. Women must wear veils. Men must keep beards and lose their neckties. War explodes between Iran and Iraq, and bombs and missiles are exchanged. Through it all, Marjane provides a running commentary on her society and how policies affect people.

Presented as a black-and-white comic, Persepolis illustrates one of the most important events of the 20th century that continues to affect American foreign policy to this day. If you enjoyed this book, check out The Arab of the Future, which explores similar themes.