Review ~ The Complete Persepolis

The Complete Persepolis

by Marjane Satrapi
published by Pantheon
genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Memoir

Summary (Goodreads): Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.

Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom--Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.

My Thoughts: During Armchair BEA this was on just about everyone's list for favorite/best graphic novels. It was definitely worth the read. Even though memoirs are not something I usually read, having one in this form was another selling point.
It's harder to review this type of book because it is someone's life story not fictional characters. Following the author's life through some very high highs to some very low lows was intriguing and kept my attention until the very end. I would recommend this to everyone. Even if you don't read memoirs/biography it is easy to get lost in this story.

Rating: 4