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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
'The Story of a Return' is a sequel to the excellent 'The Story of a Childhood' if you haven't read that one yet I suggest you do so before reading this one as it will make much more sense.
The second instalment covers the period of the author's life when she leaves Iran to start a new life in Europe. As you would imagine she finds it very hard to adjust, one cannot go from living in a country like Iran and just fit right in with a secular Western society. The author tries to figure out who she is and in her confusion and frustration she goes off the rails, she begins to immerse herself in a darker side to western culture; casual sex and drugs. At this stage the character becomes less likeable and her story less interesting, whether this is because her transition into western life marks the loss of her innocence or the identity I grew to love in the first book I'm not sure but I found the second book less interesting and meaningful. Eventually, after four years abroad, our heroine (now 19 years old) returns to Iran which is much the same as she remembers it. Sadly instead of helping her find her true identity it only confuses her further.
There were thought provoking points during the story such as the shocking racism she encounters whilst living in Austria and the fickle relationships she forms. There is also a good amount of humour as in the first book but I didn't find it as enjoyable as the first instalment.
The second instalment covers the period of the author's life when she leaves Iran to start a new life in Europe. As you would imagine she finds it very hard to adjust, one cannot go from living in a country like Iran and just fit right in with a secular Western society. The author tries to figure out who she is and in her confusion and frustration she goes off the rails, she begins to immerse herself in a darker side to western culture; casual sex and drugs. At this stage the character becomes less likeable and her story less interesting, whether this is because her transition into western life marks the loss of her innocence or the identity I grew to love in the first book I'm not sure but I found the second book less interesting and meaningful. Eventually, after four years abroad, our heroine (now 19 years old) returns to Iran which is much the same as she remembers it. Sadly instead of helping her find her true identity it only confuses her further.
There were thought provoking points during the story such as the shocking racism she encounters whilst living in Austria and the fickle relationships she forms. There is also a good amount of humour as in the first book but I didn't find it as enjoyable as the first instalment.
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
less emotional / informative than the first book, but still happy i read it nonetheless.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
While this was an excellent read, it didn't hit me as hard as the first volume. It's very much in two parts: Satrapi's adolescent experiences living on her own in Europe, and then her return to Iran. In both cases it's a story of dislocation, as she has trouble fitting in to a new culture, and doesn't realise, until she has returned, just how much she has assimilated to that culture without realising it. It's homesickness all the way, and alienation, and while we'd all like to think that in similar circumstances we'd rise above, truthfully I think Satrapi's own reaction is the more likely one. Depression, indecision, and an inability to move forward are really understandable responses, but she does work through it all eventually. The most appealing thing, as last time, is the sense of humour that leavens all this dim misery. It can't have felt very funny at the time, but looking back she manages to make it so.
I can't help but hope, though, that the nasty old woman who lost her brooch reads this book and sees herself. And that the man Satrapi has hauled away by the morality police is alright, because it looks like the poor bastard didn't do anything and she dobbed him in to save herself. Granny's temporary disapproval of her actions doesn't really cut it.
I can't help but hope, though, that the nasty old woman who lost her brooch reads this book and sees herself. And that the man Satrapi has hauled away by the morality police is alright, because it looks like the poor bastard didn't do anything and she dobbed him in to save herself. Granny's temporary disapproval of her actions doesn't really cut it.
This was excellent as well, but I only gave it three stars due to loving only the second half of the book. The story picks right up where Persepolis left off, but I feel like it faltered in trying to cover too much time. Persepolis only covers about two years of Satrapi's childhood; the sequel spans 10. I just don't think the book is able to to truly cover 10 years without loosing something. I also felt like the first few teenage years could have been written by most people (rebellion, drug use, etc.) I didn't get enough of a feel about her experience as an immigrant and then felt like her return to Iran was a bit rushed and glossed over at times. But second section of the book about her reactions to modern-day Iran (and trying to fit in) was quite interesting, and I'd still recommend this overall. It's a nice complement to Persepolis.
While the firts was a thrilling story, which for me quickly became a page-turner, this sequel seems to have been written only for a comercial purpose. I liked it, but i couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was missing.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
An intriguing look into the life of an Iranian woman who grew up in turbulent times.