69 pages • 2 hours read
Marjane SatrapiPersepolis
Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic memoir that recounts Satrapi's experiences growing up in Tehran, Iran, before and after the 1979 revolution. As Satrapi navigates the upheavals of the new fundamentalist regime, she grapples with identity, family history, and the impact of war, all while finding moments of joy and rebellion in a rapidly changing society. The book contains graphic depictions of political violence and the personal toll of war.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is praised for its powerful storytelling and vivid illustrations, offering a compelling personal narrative set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. Critics commend its honest portrayal of cultural and political struggles. Some note that its episodic structure can feel disjointed, but overall, it’s celebrated as a significant, insightful memoir.
Who Should Read Persepolis?
Readers who appreciate Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi are typically drawn to graphic memoirs that blend personal narrative with historical context. They might also enjoy Maus by Art Spiegelman and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, which similarly use graphic storytelling to explore identity, politics, and personal growth.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
GN380LBook Details
History: World
Middle Eastern Literature
Auto/Biographical Fiction
Relationships: Family