This graphic novel is an autobiography, telling Marjane Satrapi’s coming of age story from the time she is a little girl until she is 24. It begins with her as a young child, at the time of the 1979 Iranian revolution, and thus covers a lot of heavy political and historical ground. At age 14, with Iran engaged in a war with Iraq, Marjane’s parents ship her off to school in Vienna for her protection. In Vienna, Marjane drifts aimlessly, feeling like an outsider no matter what she does. Homesick and missing her family, she later returns to a much-changed, but now war-free, Tehran. However, she finds that her upbringing as an independent thinker is at odds with the traditionalist society. The book ends with her departing for a new life in France. (I suppose there is not much else she could have done for the ending, but I wanted more!). As I’ve already mentioned, the book covers a lot of deep themes, including philosophical, political, and religious issues. I appreciate how candid Satrapi is in her writing, and I enjoyed how she managed to make the story light-hearted and funny at times, even when it had the potential to border on downright depressing. The drawings are pretty basic and cartoonish, but somehow this actual works to make the story more poignant. Satrapi’s fierce, independent streak is refreshing, and I think this book could help a lot of ignorant Americans (I include myself in this category) learn a bit more about a culture that tends to be dismissed by the West. ( )

This book is a great way for anyone to get a new fresh perspective on the real Iran. There is so much media misconceptions and stereotypes of this country. Persepholis's is a comming of age story in a very difficult time. The reader finds that the author was not so different than other young girls who are trying to find their way and grow up. Very eyeopening and real. Her second story is for a more mature reader. ( )

Excellent gritty account of an Iranian woman coming of age during the revolution. After you've read the books, see the amazing animated movie, also created by Satrapi. ( )

I had many friends in college that were from Iran and listened the changes of the early 80s in Iran and how if affected them. This book brought me back to 1979. Good clear story without the fanfare. ( )

A delightful book, moving & informative. Stylistically inventive & well executed. ( )