Author: Marjane SatrapiGenre: YA NF GraphicPublished: 2004Personal Rating: 4/5Yearly Count: 117
Marjane continues her story from where Persepolis: A Story of a Childhood concluded. Her parents have sent her to Austria to escape the bombings and terror of war, giving her a chance to thrive with a good education. After struggling for 4 years to find herself amongst strangers, Marjane decides to go back to Iran. Once again, she has an adjustment to make and continues to discover who she is as an Iranian woman.
Persepolis 2 was a coming-of-age story with the twist of war and cultural differences that I am not acquainted with or accustomed to. I found Marjane to be very forth-coming about her life in describing and depicting the tumultuous teen years without the support and security of her parents and other family members. Her anguish was evident.
What I appreciate most about the two books was the educational value it offered me. They shed light on an area of recent history that I was only peripherally aware. I am delighted that Marjane has been able to make her life a success.
I remember seeing the trailer for Persepolis and thinking it looked different and was educational without beating you over the head with it.
ReplyDeleteLadytink ~ A friend of a friend told me they saw a part of it at an opening event for the movie. Supposedly it's cartoon-like. Guess it's graphic novel meets big picture.
ReplyDeleteI really want to see the film version of this. I've heard some good reviews of it. I've liked her books and am curious as to what she'll come out with next. I wonder if it will be more stories about other family members.
ReplyDeleteIliana ~ On an Amazon review, I read where someone saw her at a book signing and really enjoyed her quirkiness.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the educational aspect as well--I know a little bit about Iran but it felt different hearing from a young woman. I didn't like this one as much as the first, but on the other hand I loved seeing Marjane come into her own. Have you seen the movie?
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the educational side of the books. I really enjoyed reading and learning about a different life and culture to my own. I have ordered a complete copy for my mum who hasn't read a graphic novel before for her birthday at the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I liked the first book more, too. I rated it a 4.25/5 and nope, I haven't seen the movie. I'm not sure if I want to.
ReplyDeleteRhinoa ~ It's funny . . . I have introduced graphic novels to so many people this year. If it weren't for the Graphics Challenge, I would still be in the dark.
I haven't read the graphic novels, but I watched the film version of Persepolis. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would, but like you, I appreciate any book/movie that inspires me to learn about the world. After seeing the movie, I researched the Islamic Revolution. Without seeing the movie, I probably never would have taken that effort. Other books that inspired me to learn were What is the What by Dave Eggers and Kartography by Kamila Shamsie.
ReplyDeleteAgain, this second one sounds good too. I still haven't checked if my library has these. I will do that now. Your reviews of these sure does have me curious.
ReplyDeleteCharley ~ Oh! I have What is the What (Eggers) on my iPod. I hope to get to it in 2009. I've never heard of Kartography (Shamsie). I'll look into that. I'll stop by your blog to see if you reviewed it first. :)
ReplyDeleteDar ~ Persepolis is considered a "classic" graphic novel, so my guess is that your library would have it. The first is very educational regarding the Revolution and done very well. This one focuses more on Marjane coming-of-age; it's still good though.