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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Persepolis summary
Marjane Satrapi
Brief summary
Persepolis is a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi that tells the story of her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It offers a unique perspective on the political and social changes that took place in the country during that time.
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Persepolis
Summary of key ideas
Childhood in Revolutionary Iran
In Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi shares her life as a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The story begins with Marjane at a tender age of ten, trying to understand the complexities of religion, politics, and societal norms that her society imposes. She narrates her struggles with the sudden veil policy at school and her extended family's involvements in political movements.
Marjane spent her developmental years witnessing the fall of the Shah, installing Islamic Fundamentalism and the violence that came along with it. As the atrocities escalated, the veil of innocence lifted, and she started voicing against the oppressors at such a young age. Thus, a rebellious fighter was born.
Struggles And Survival
Marjane’s adolescence was marked by the war with Iraq and the changes it brings to their lives. This wartime era brought constant fear as numerous bombings targeted Tehran, leading to frequent blackouts and loss of lives. In the middle of this chaos, Marjane discovered punk rock, rebellion, and the underground culture, challenging the system and society's suffocating norms where it was most vulnerable.
Witnessing the regime’s oppressions and living life contrary to the enforced Islamic rules, Marjane's parents decided to send her to Vienna for a safer, better life. They believed the fourteen-year-old would have more freedom and opportunities in the West.
Exile, Despair, And Return
But life in Vienna wasn’t smooth sailing for Marjane. While she enjoyed the liberty to express opinions, the loneliness, alienation, and cultural shock were overwhelming. She faced difficulties adapting to western culture, constantly battling homesickness. This period of her life was characterized by uncertainty, homelessness, failed relationships, and even a failed attempt at ending her life.
When Marjane turned nineteen, she decided to return to Iran. Despite the complications she had in Vienna, her home country was more complex. Marjane had to adapt to life under conservative Islamic rule again. Fighting depression and an oppressive system, she found refuge in her art and began to study at the Tehran Art College.
Self Discovery and The Final Departure
The Art College wasn’t much different from society. The conservative, biased, and restrictive teaching environment frustrated her. But her distress found liberation in her art, as she thrived in her creative pursuit despite the limitations. Marjane met Reza, fell in love, and married him. However, the marriage didn’t last, and they divorced after three years.
At the end of the book, Marjane realized she could no longer live in Iran. She bid a painful farewell to her grandmother, knowing she won't ever see her again, left her homeland for the second time, and moved to France in the quest for a life with greater freedom and less compromise. This is where Persepolis concludes, leaving us to ponder on love, sacrifices, identities, and how sometimes we have to leave parts of ourselves behind to move forward.
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What is Persepolis about?
Persepolis is a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi that tells the story of her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Through powerful illustrations, Satrapi shares her experiences growing up amidst political unrest, censorship, and war. The book offers a unique and personal perspective on the complexities of life in Iran and the universal struggle for freedom and identity.
Who should read Persepolis?
- Readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Iranian culture and history
- People who appreciate personal memoirs and graphic novels
- Those who want to explore themes of identity, resilience, and coming-of-age
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