Reviews with content warning for War - Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, despite knowing very little about Iranian history. It took me out of the story a little bit at first, but the narrator revealed enough information throughout the novel, without it being a forced exposition, that I found myself more immersed in the story and knowledgable about the topic. The story itself is heartbreaking, and the author portrays the heavy emotions masterfully. I am sad to see the end of her childhood end on such a sad note, and I am even more saddened by the fact a lot of people have lived through what Satrapi has lived through, and still do to this day.

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bookishmaggie's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense

4.0

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ursa_arlo's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.25

Positives. The artstyle suits the story wonderfully and mixes elements of western and arab illustrative styles which visually translates the identity conflict within Marjane. The story is told with so much nuance, acknowledging Marjane's (in comparison to many of her peers) privileged position, while leaving enough room for other people in her life to express their lived experience and subsequent opinions in the story. The graphic novel thrives on astute observations, such as how war can so quickly become a taken-for-granted fact or how signs of 'modern' womanhood can become signs of protest.

Negatives. Because this graphic novel is a chronological life story which compiles important events from the author's life, it does not have a traditional story structure. The eclectic storytelling suits the life Marjane has lived but the lack of structure makes some sections drag on.

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