Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, despite knowing very little about Iranian history. It took me out of the story a little bit at first, but the narrator revealed enough information throughout the novel, without it being a forced exposition, that I found myself more immersed in the story and knowledgable about the topic. The story itself is heartbreaking, and the author portrays the heavy emotions masterfully. I am sad to see the end of her childhood end on such a sad note, and I am even more saddened by the fact a lot of people have lived through what Satrapi has lived through, and still do to this day.

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ursa_arlo's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.25

Positives. The artstyle suits the story wonderfully and mixes elements of western and arab illustrative styles which visually translates the identity conflict within Marjane. The story is told with so much nuance, acknowledging Marjane's (in comparison to many of her peers) privileged position, while leaving enough room for other people in her life to express their lived experience and subsequent opinions in the story. The graphic novel thrives on astute observations, such as how war can so quickly become a taken-for-granted fact or how signs of 'modern' womanhood can become signs of protest.

Negatives. Because this graphic novel is a chronological life story which compiles important events from the author's life, it does not have a traditional story structure. The eclectic storytelling suits the life Marjane has lived but the lack of structure makes some sections drag on.

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grp101's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

Deals with the topics in Satrapi’s life in a manner that simultaneously coveys the severity and is easy to understand for a younger reader. A marvelous real story.

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charlma's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

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verysillygoose's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny fast-paced

5.0

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chaoticbeing's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Really what kickstarted my fascination and love of graphic memoirs. I read it on repeat to the point that I had pages memorized.
Book #1 is much stronger than Book #2, but both are equally important in sharing the author’s life story. #2 is much slower than #1 pace-wise, and feels much less eventful.

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cherub__'s review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Truly excellent read. A marvelous blend of prose and visual art. Satrapi's voice as an author is equally distinctive as her illustration style as an artist. Her story feels like it manages to capture something both deeply personal as well as something felt broadly among an entire generation of Iranians growing up during and after the Revolution. The empathy displayed here is striking, especially because it is applied just as strongly to Satrapi's younger self as to her peers, her family, and friends. Reading Persepolis really does take me back to the mind of a child, then a teenager, and then a young adult -- despite my complete unfamiliarity with Satrapi's cultural background and specific experiences, her story is felt relatable to me.

Cannot recommend this book enough.

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sleepylit's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

One of my favorite books of all time. This was my second read.

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