Persepolis

 Another Young Adult Novel, and a graphic novel at that, I first read Persepolis when it was published back in 2005, and never read the follow up. However, having re-read the first and caught up on the second, I would recommend the collection for a few reasons, but first an explanation:

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Persepolis, let me explain. Marjane Satrapi was born in Iran and grew up during the Islamic revolution. This means she saw Iran change from a liberal city where women dressed in western fashion, went to universities and studied with men, to an ultra-conservative, religious empire. Born into a family of strong political convictions, Marjane grew up a rebel, and when her rebellion became too dangerous she was sent to school in Austria.

This takes us to Persepolis 2. Marjane’s experience as an Iranian refugee in liberal Europe resonates with the other refugee experiences we’ve read, and heard about. Persepolis 2 follows Marjane through her four years in Europe, then back to Iran, sharing with the reader the difficulties of adjusting to each new/old but changed place.

And you should read these because…

First off, they’re easy and fun. Satrapi does an excellent job combining her images and text. She tells her story in a combination of ways. It’s a complex, but enjoyable read.

Second, her experience is important to understand. Satrapi has seen and done a lot. And here in the U.S. most of us college kids have not. Persepolis allows us to see into another culture and not only “another” culture, but one that we, for the most part, judge and judge harshly. Satrapi and her family are not unlike our own. Their story is very important, and becoming more so, especially because of reason three.

Third, and going off of the second, there has been an extreme amount of political tension in the Middle East lately (lately? Always!) and even if you, dear reader, are ignorant and uninformed, you surely should have heard of the revolutions in Tunisia, and Egypt and Syria and protests in Yemen, Libya, Bahrain, Iraq, Algeria, Morocco and Jordan. However, something else seems to be brewing.

For the non-news reader (otherwise you must know): The tension between Iran and Israel has been mounting, and if Iran and Israel begin a war America will feel the consequences. Why you may ask? Oh surely you know! Gas, my friends, gas! Iran has the second largest oil reserves in the world (following Russia), and if the conflicts between Iran and Israel escalate, the price of gas will also escalate (funny how that happens).

So, not only is Satrapi’s story important in hindsight, it is also important for the future. We have a duty to understand the cultures with whom we disagree, and we have a duty to ourselves to try and understand others, if only to better understand ourselves. This is a quick read, it’s enjoyable and it will teach you a lot. Part memoir, part history lesson, Persepolis is a must read, and if the last time you read this book was when you were 15 (like me), then read it again.

Rating: A must read

Stats: Two, 200 pages graphic novels.