Literature Reviews - 2025

Review of Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is a groundbreaking work that blends personal memoir, political history, and cultural commentary in a graphic novel format. The book offers an intimate yet expansive look at Iran’s transformation during and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, seen through the eyes of a young girl coming of age in an increasingly repressive society.

The Power of Graphic Memoir

One of the most striking aspects of Persepolis is its use of the graphic novel medium to convey deep and complex themes. The stark black-and-white illustrations serve as a powerful narrative tool, reinforcing the contrasts in Marji’s world—between freedom and oppression, childhood innocence and political violence, personal identity and societal expectations. The simplicity of the drawings does not detract from the story’s depth; instead, it enhances accessibility, making weighty political and historical events more digestible.

A Personal and Political Journey

At its core, Persepolis is both a coming-of-age story and a political memoir. Marji, growing up in a progressive, intellectual family in Tehran, is caught between her Westernized upbringing and the increasing conservatism of post-revolution Iran. The book captures her personal struggles—her defiance against school authorities, her forced conformity to the hijab, and her eventual exile to Vienna—as well as the larger suffering of Iranian society under war, fundamentalism, and state violence.

The narrative does not present a one-sided view of Iran; instead, Satrapi highlights the contradictions of Iranian society. Her family, for example, fights against the regime’s oppressive measures yet still upholds class distinctions. The book also challenges Western stereotypes that reduce Iran to a monolithic image of extremism, showcasing instead the rich cultural and intellectual history of the country.

Themes of Resistance and Loss

One of the most poignant aspects of Persepolis is its depiction of resistance—both personal and collective. Whether it is Marji secretly listening to Western music, discussing politics with her parents, or her grandmother mocking the regime’s absurdity, the book is filled with small acts of defiance that highlight the resilience of the Iranian people. Yet, alongside this resistance is a deep sense of loss—of home, identity, and childhood innocence. Marji’s departure from Iran and her later realization that she may never truly return to the country she once knew is a heartbreaking conclusion to her journey.

Universality and Relevance

While deeply rooted in Iranian history, Persepolis resonates beyond its specific cultural context. It speaks to themes of exile, belonging, gender oppression, and intergenerational trauma—experiences that many readers can relate to, regardless of their background. For those with personal or familial ties to Iran, the book is particularly moving, as it captures both the nostalgia for a lost homeland and the pain of political displacement.

Final Thoughts

Persepolis is a masterful work that combines humor, tragedy, and sharp political critique in a way that few memoirs achieve. It is a story of resilience, identity, and the enduring human spirit, making it an essential read for anyone interested in history, politics, or personal narratives of struggle and survival. Satrapi’s bold storytelling and unique artistic style ensure that Persepolis remains one of the most influential and important graphic novels of our time.