Persepolis

I had seen this book on the shelves in stores and libraries many times, but I never picked it up. Mostly because I was in a phase where I didn’t want to read graphic novels. Wow, how ignorant of me. I highly enjoy reading stories shown through comics or visual artwork now. It adds depth and understanding to a story.

I mostly wanted to read this book because I wanted to understand the conflicts that occurred between Iran and Iraq that lead to America’s involvement. While reading the story, it reminded me a lot like Maus. Except, this story is farther into the future and is about a different religious war. The stories are similar because it involves ordinary people living through horrific historical events.

By the end of the story, I realized where it was going. It was basically about a girl, Marji, having to leave her home country at the age of fourteen to start a new life without her family. It was a simple idea with a very rich exposition to understand why.

When I reached the end of the story, I literally screamed “What!” in my work break room. I couldn’t believe it ended on a cliff hanger. I wanted to read on and find out what Marji’s life would be like in Vienna, Austria and if her parents ever reunited with her.

I personally believe we need more memoirs like this. We need to understand more about the world we live in and how it all came to be through unimaginable trials for ordinary people and their families.

I highly look forward to reading the sequel and hope it is just as evoking.

#Persepolis