Persepolis

Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon. The general subject of Persepolis is it’s an autobiographical graphic novel about Marjane Satrapi’s life during the war between Iran and Iraq. The major facts are Persepolis is a non-fiction autobiography of Satrapi retelling her life and experiences through several chapters in the form of a graphic novel. Extras included in Persepolis are a “Credits” list for translators and lettering, and a “Thanks to” list. I think the intended audience of the book might be for ages 14 to 18. One recommendation for follow up reading would be to continue the Persepolis story with Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, also by Marjane Satrapi. Other recommendations include Maus by Art Spiegelman, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Allison Bechdel, Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi, and Wolf Among Wolves by Hans Fallada. English teachers might find this book valuable for their class if students are interested in reading a book that varies from regular novels. I think history teachers might also find this book valuable for their class if the students are being taught about the Iran and Iraq war, so this book can serve as an educational experience. Persepolis meets the emotional developmental criteria because, from ages six to fourteen, Marjane witnesses the devastating effects of war on both Iraq and Iran. Starting out, Marjane is not as aware of her surroundings due to her young age. However, as she grows older, Marjane becomes emotionally compelling and more aware of her surroundings and the horror that war causes during the unstable time of the Iran Iraq war.