Persepolis | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Persepolis

A brief explanation on why this graphic novel is so amazing

179
Persepolis
NYT

I remember when a friend of mine told me about Persepolis nearly two years ago. It is a graphic novel written by Marjane Satrapi, a woman who grew up during the Islamic Revolution, and I remember not understanding why on earth she thought that would be a good book for me to read as I like to read things such as Russian literature and beauty blogs.

Of course, I was wrong and the book is absolutely stellar.

Over the course of the graphic novel, however, the reader gets to know the brilliant, young Marjane Satrapi through her own eyes. She is a headstrong, sometimes hard to love little girl who ultimately believes in freedom and equality for all, however she may articulate it (her understanding of events around her changes as she ages).

At first, I struggled with the book, trying to sort out what was going on in both Satrapi’s life and the main plot, as well as who all the key players were. Just when the I thought I had a grip on the book, someone would die or disappear with no explanation, and I was back at square one. Being unfamiliar with the Islamic Revolution definitely contributed to my confusion. The author included short explanatory notes, which helped immensely, and led to me doing some research of my own into who the key players of the revolution where.

Something that required no explanation was Satrapi’s refusal to shy away from the incredible violence of the world she was raised in. She explained disappearances, riots, and torture in such a frank and heartbreaking way that left me emotionally drained for several days and questioning how someone so young could come out of such terrible circumstances and still be okay.

Writing about tragic events like the murder of her neighbors and family members in such a childlike way is not something I expected at first. The deceptively simple comic book format made me believe that I would find the book short and enjoyable, an easy read if you will, which was not the case at all. While I did enjoy the book and found it fascinating, I also struggled with the intense violence and unrest of Satrapi’s native Iran. It was difficult for me to come to terms with certain passages as the reader, namely when central characters like her uncle, Anoosh, was executed in prison as a Russian spy. I questioned the justice of such a system, and was left angry in more than one place.

Yet the book also opened my eyes to a whole part of history that I wasn't aware of, and helped me become more aware of what other people are going through.

What is the best book you have read recently?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

351
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments