The Complete Persepolis (Persepolis #1-4)By Marjane Satrapi
Published by Pantheon Books; Copyright 2007
Ages 3 and up
Lexile NC380L (Persepolis), NC500L (Persepolis 2)
Awards:
New York Times Notable Book
Time Magazine "Best Comix of the Year"
San Francisco Chronicle Best-seller
Los Angeles Times Best-seller
Persepolis has been on my to-read list for a long time, so after recently studying nonfiction biographies for youth, I finally decided to give it a whirl. Now, I'm not a huge fan of biographies, or even the graphic novel format (although my husband, the comic book nerd, is trying really hard to change that); however, I was easily drawn into Marji's world through her narrative storytelling and the accompanying action-oriented illustrations.This is a coming of age story about an Iranian girl growing up in the midst of a regime overthrow, watching war unfold around her, while struggling to have a normal childhood. The oppression of her leaders, her teachers, and sometimes her parents, all feed into her rebellious nature. With the backdrop of war and fighting, this is ultimately a story about self-discovery. Marji goes through phases, like any teen; she embraces punk and Western culture, makes friends with self-proclaimed nihilists, lashes out against authority, and even denies her heritage to fit in. Marji experiences love, heartbreak, rejection, even poverty, but she matures into a young woman with a conscience and respect for her people.
The Complete Persepolis translates and combines all four stories in the series (originally published in French) into one graphic novel. The simple black and white drawings are surprisingly compelling, and stylistically lend themselves easily to animation, so it's no surprise the novel was adapted into film in 2007. The pictures and words flow from one page to the next, while at the same time challenging the young reader with foreign language and tales of war.
Parents should be warned that while the suggested ages for this novel are 3 and up, there are many references to smoking, drinking, drugs, sex, violence and profanity. But then again, isn't that what growing up is all about?
Official Film Site for Persepolis
Persepolis on Good Reads
Other titles by Marjane Satrapi:
Embroideries
Chicken with Plums
The Sigh
Parents should be warned that while the suggested ages for this novel are 3 and up, there are many references to smoking, drinking, drugs, sex, violence and profanity. But then again, isn't that what growing up is all about?
Official Film Site for Persepolis
Persepolis on Good Reads
Other titles by Marjane Satrapi:
Embroideries
Chicken with Plums
The Sigh
This looks like a fascinating graphic novel series, though I must admit that I thought based on the cover that it was something like the Addam's Family!
ReplyDelete-Abby
Hi Jolene,
ReplyDeleteWow! I never realized that the recommended age range for this title started at THREE! ...I kind of disagree with that. (Also, I don't know who many three year olds who are capable of reading in general.) I can't imagine this being a read-aloud selection in ANY pre-school, but I absolutely love this graphic novel, and I'm not even that big of a fan of graphic novels! I think if time allowed in a classroom setting, or for a library program/book discussion group for YA or Middle School readers, the movie could be used as a tie-in for readers. The ideas and events in this title have the possibility of opening up a whole new world to readers who may have no idea of what life in the Middle East is really like. Young girls can relate to this book because they can identify with the emotions of the Marji.
- Katherine Huddle (khuddle.weebly.com)
Definitely save this one for more mature readers. But a great read for women, young and old! Very inspiring and eye-opening!
ReplyDelete