Fri, 10 Sep 2004 00:50:12 GMT

Bearing witness. Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is one of my favourite graphic novels:

In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

I love her account of the introduction of the veil in school (Ooh! I'm the monster of darkness!) and the tales of reading Marx and playing revolution with childhood friends fill me with glee every time. But mostly, I adore it because it's the story of a brilliant and wondrous girl learning about the absurdity of life, love and war.

And for those who read French, you can also pick up Persepolis 2, 3 & 4 – aussi incroyable! [Purse Lip Square Jaw]

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wow, sounds good…. i of course am currently on a tank girl kick….