Persepolis 1: The Story of a Childhood Paperback – Illustrated, 1 June 2004

Very original format: telling the story of a revolution, a major event in world history, through a graphic story about a little girl coming of age. She is from a middle class family in Tehran and tells us about the fall of the Shah and the rise of the islamic republic thourgh the eyes of a child. A child who is very aware of what is going on around her and is not afraid to speak up. Through the microstory of her family, her school, her relatives and neighbors we learn a lot about everyday life in Tehran in that period.The book ends with her departure for Austria in 1983 where her parents sent her to be safe from the dangers of war with Iraq and of internal repression. I am looking forward to reading the sequel  Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return PS I am not sure why the author chose the title Persepolis for this book, does anyone know? Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return

It does not make sense but Marjane Satrapi's decision to recount her memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution using a comic strip actually renders the tale more rather than less poignant. Her artwork propels the reader so quickly through the horrors which have accompanied each recent regime change in Iran that the impact is maximised. It also proves to be the right medium to represent the quickened loss of innocence which Satrapi experiences as a result.Satrapi herself is revealed as a spirited teenage rebel not averse to confrontation with her own parents and to her credit these encounters are candidly, and often comically, repeated no matter how self-absorbed they reveal her to have been.This is a must read.

Another great book to start with if you want to get into reading like me. Beautifully and visually depicts life of a young girl in war torn Iran and really makes you think of your own privilege.

Bought as present for a friend and she said it was brilliant :)

Persepolis has always been a favourite. So simple in its comic style telling a tale so deep. Great read for anyone looking for that 'something different' and will leave you wanting to read the second part.