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Marjane Satrapi

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The Complete Persepolis: Volumes 1 and 2 Paperback – Illustrated, October 30, 2007

by Marjane Satrapi (Author), Anjali Singh (Translator)

4.7 2,798 ratings

Part of: Pantheon Graphic Library

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Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrapi's best-selling, internationally acclaimed graphic memoir of growing up as a girl in Iran during the revolution has for twenty years been a classroom staple, a feminist manifesto, and one of the most popular and widely known graphic novels of all time.

"A stunning graphic memoir...a wholly original achievement in the form." —The New York Times

Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming—both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.

Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom—Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.

Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Pantheon
Publication date

October 30, 2007
Dimensions

6 x 0.9 x 8.8 inches
ISBN-10

0375714839
ISBN-13

978-0375714832
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From the Publisher


	The Complete Persepolis	Embroideries	Persepolis	Persepolis 2	Chicken with Plums

Customer Reviews	2,798	521	4,236	943	162
Price	$14.99	$13.95	$9.95	$10.49	$13.18
	Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrapi's best-selling, internationally acclaimed graphic memoir of growing up as a girl in revolutionary Iran.	From the bestselling author of Persepolis comes this enlightening look into the sex lives of Iranian women, gathering together Marjane’s tough–talking grandmother, stoic mother, glamorous and eccentric aunt and their friends and neighbors.	Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s acclaimed graphic memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. “A wholly original achievement.” —The New York Times: "The 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years"	The fascinating continuation of the best-selling Persepolis, “one of the freshest and most original memoirs of our day” (Los Angeles Times). Marjane Satrapi dazzles with her graphic memoir about growing up in Iran during the Iranian Revolution.	Acclaimed graphic artist Marjane Satrapi brings what has become her signature humor and insight, her keen eye and ear, to the heartrending story of a celebrated Iranian musician who gives up his life for music and love.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Persepolis: Volume 1

ANew York Times Notable Book • A Time Magazine “Best Comix of the Year” • A San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times Best Seller

"A memoir of growing up as a girl in revolutionary Iran, Persepolis provides a unique glimpse into a nearly unknown and unreachable way of life.... That Satrapi chose to tell her remarkable story as a gorgeous comic book makes it totally unique and indispensable." —Time

“Delectable... Dances with drama and insouciant wit.” —The New York Times Book Review

“A stunning graphic memoir hailed as a wholly original achievement in the form. There’s still a startling freshness to the book. It won’t age. In inky shadows and simple, expressive lines—reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans’s “Madeline”—Satrapi evokes herself and her schoolmates coming of age in a world of protests and disappearances ... A stark, shocking impact.” —Parul Sehgal, “The 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years” The New York Times

“A dazzlingly singular achievement.... Striking a perfect balance between the fantasies and neighborhood conspiracies of childhood and the mounting lunacy of Khomeini's reign, she's like the Persian love child of Spiegelman and Lynda Barry.” —Salon

“A brilliant and unusual graphic memoir.... [Told] in a guileless voice ... accompanied by a series of black-and-white drawings that dramatically illustrate how a repressive regime deforms ordinary lives.” —Vogue

"Odds are, you’ll be too busy being entertained to realize how much you’ve learned until you turn the last page.” —Elle.com

“[A] self-portrait of the artist as a young girl, rendered in graceful black-and-white comics that apply a childlike sensibility to the bleak lowlights of recent Iranian history. . . . [Her] style is powerful; it persuasively communicates confusion and horror through the eyes of a precocious preteen.” —Village Voice

Praise for Persepolis: Volume 2

"Wildly charming ... Like a letter from a friend, in this case a wonderful friend: honest, strong-willed, funny, tender, impulsive, and self-aware."
—The New York Times Book Review

"The most original coming-of-age story from the Middle East yet."
—People

"Elegant, simple panels tell this story of growth, loneliness, and homecoming with poignant charm and wit."
—The Washington Post

"Humorous and heartbreaking ... A welcome look beind the headlines and into the heart and mind of one very wise, wicked, and winning young woman."
—Elle

"Every revolution needs a chronicler like Satrapi."
—San Francisco Chronicle

"It is our good fortune that Satrapi has never stopped visiting Iran in her mind."
—Newsweek

"Persepolis 2 is much more than the chronicle of a young woman’s struggle into adulthood; it’s a brilliant, painful, rendering of the contrast between East and West, between the repression of wartime Iran and the social, political, and sexual freedoms of 1980’s Austria. There’s something universal about Satrapi’s search for self-definition, but her experiences in Vienna and Tehran are rendered with such witty particularity, and such heartbreaking honesty, that by the end of this book you’ll feel you’ve gained an intimate friend."
—Julie Orringer, author of How To Breathe Underwater

About the Author

MARJANE SATRAPI was born in Rasht, Iran. She now lives in Paris, where she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including The New Yorker and The New York Times. She is the author of Persepolis, Persepolis 2, Embroideries, Chicken with Plums, and several children's books. She cowrote and codirected the animated feature film version of Persepolis, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Her most recent film was a live-action version of Chicken with Plums.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION
To the 20th Anniversary Edition

When Persepolis was first published in France in 2000, I was sure the world was headed in the right direction. There were no major wars, and it seemed that humanity had somehow learned from its mistakes, that in the twenty-first century we’d finally come to realize that the earth belonged to everyone equally and that we were one race—the human race.

Believing this, I was certain the need for the book would fade over time. That soon enough what I had written about—living through a revolution and a war and growing up under the Islamic Republic of Iran’s dictatorship—would feel like ancient history. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

Persepolis was released in the United States in 2003, in the aftermath of 9/11, and we Iranians had come to be considered part of the Axis of Evil. I was invited to appear across the country, even at West Point, where I spoke about the importance of differentiating between the Iranian people and the actions of the Islamic Republic, and I became a vocal critic of the war in Iraq, pointing out the hypocrisy of trying to instill democracy with bombs.

In the years since, the book has been both beloved and banned. Banned for its sexual scenes (I still don’t know where those scenes are); for its torture scenes (because it’s acceptable for assault rifles to be legal in the United States, even if that frequently results in the murder of innocent people, but it’s not okay for a reader to see a single drawing documenting the torture of political prisoners); and, more recently, because of Islamophobia.

I take the book’s banning as a huge compliment. A banned book is always a good book. After all, what better company to be in than Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain?

Now, as I write this, a new revolution is happening in Iran, started by young women in response to the killing of Mahsa Amini. It’s the first feminist revolution in which women and men are fighting together, hand in hand for their freedom.

I am certain we will succeed.

Why am I hopeful?

First off, at the time of the 1979 revolution that I describe in Persepolis, only 40 percent of Iranians were literate; today more than 80 percent are. Second, the digital revolution has allowed an entire generation unfettered access to information, to be in touch with the world and to decide for themselves what they want to believe in. Third, a dictatorship that is ready to accept reform is no longer a dictatorship. And, finally, the future of every country is its youth, and this new generation is modern, not sexist, and aspires to freedom and democracy. Moreover, they did not have to live through the trauma of revolution and war the way we did.

No country in the world has had as many revolutions as Iran. But this time the youth are not just educated; they are fearless in their opposition to gender apartheid and patriarchal culture, which are the biggest enemies of democracy. Not only has the wall of fear fallen but fear has changed sides.

The young Marji I was would certainly not leave her country; she would surely stay and fight, but at the time I wrote this book she couldn’t. Reading Persepolis today, it’s clear how little the situation has changed—it’s people’s reactions that have evolved. Instead of running away from the bully, we fight.

At the end of the book’s original introduction, I wrote: “One can forgive but should never forget.” Twenty years later I would add: One also has to understand why this happened. Because if we know the answer, we can stop history from repeating itself.

To the freedom of all, wherever they may be.

Marjane Satrapi
Paris, 2023

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pantheon; Media tie-in edition (October 30, 2007)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0375714839
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0375714832
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.41 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.9 x 8.8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #12,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8 in Biographies & History Graphic Novels
- #165 in Women's Biographies
- #527 in Memoirs (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.7 2,798 ratings

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Marjane Satrapi was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran. She grew up in Tehran, where she studied at the French school, before leaving for Vienna and Strasbourg to study decorative arts. She currently lives in Paris, where she is at work on the sequel to Persepolis. She is also the author of several children's books.

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Parmathule

Great story in a beautiful package

Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2014

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I have the original hardcover versions of these books, and purchased this set for a friend. It's an attractive package with the box, which makes the softcover versions look a little spiffier.

I'm not a huge fan of the graphic novel, but Persepolis and its sequel, Persepolis 2, I can recommend wholeheartedly. The illustrations are a stark black and white which set the perfect tone for this story of one woman's experience of the Islamic revolution in Iran. Satrapi's account of how the new theocracy affected her family and changed the course of her life is depressing, but fascinating. Many memorable characters (including herself!) are brought vividly to life despite the constraints of the graphic novel format, and Satrapi brings a wonderful wit and humor to this tale of woe that keep it from becoming too grim.

The first volume focuses on Satrapi's rebellious childhood and the integrity and courage of the extended family members who inspired her. One can only hope that Iran has many more girls like her who will ultimately be the downfall of the current misogynistic regime.

The second volume in Satrapi's coming of age tale begins with her family sending her to Europe to continue her education. Being away from her family for the first time, adjusting to a new culture, and struggling with the universal adolescent identity crisis are the focus here. There are painful moments, poignant moments and hilarious moments.

Over the course of the two volumes of Persepolis, Satrapi shows us her metamorphosis from rebellious child to crazy, mixed-up youth, to strong cosmopolitan woman. It's a great story in a beautiful package.

5 people found this helpful

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Meg Loveless

Historical Non-Fiction for the Win!

Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2016

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Book Review
Satrapi, M. (2007) The complete Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon Books.

After reading Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir, Persepolis, I believe it is in the best interests of our students to add the book to our available reading list. Persepolis is Satrapi’s account of growing up during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) that almost immediately followed the Iranian Revolution (1979). Satrapi is an Iranian woman who left Iran to attend high school in Vienna, later returned to Iran to marry, and eventually moved to France where she wrote Persepolis. The memoir serves as a bildungsroman for Satrapi, covering her life as she leaves primary school and enters high school; we see Satrapi grappling with the woman she wants to become in light of where she comes from. Persepolis also serves as a piece of literary historical non-fiction because the backdrop of Satrapi’s coming of age is amidst a pivotal point in Iranian (and Iraqi) history, and this history is central to the plot line of Satrapi’s memoir. Persepolis has also won a fair share of awards. It was a New York Times notable book, Times Magazine’s “Best Comix of the Year” (2004), and a best-seller across the country. The book, originally written in French, was adapted into film, and the film version won the Cannes Jury Prize, the César award for best writing, the César award for the best first feature film, and the Sutherland trophy. The film adaptation was also nominated for an Academy Award for best animated feature film.
Despite the accolades both the film and graphic memoir received, Persepolis is in the top 10 of the American Library Association’s 2014 “Frequently Challenged Books” list. The ALA informs us that the rationales that have been provided for banning the book include gambling, offensive language, and its political viewpoint. The ALA also says that Persepolis has been called “politically, racially, and socially offensive” and that it has “graphic depictions.” There is truth to these claims. Persepolis takes place as Satrapi grows up amidst the Iran-Iraq war. War, by its very nature, brings about political viewpoints that some students and their parents may disagree with. The book also contains offensive language, and portrays the ramifications of war and includes “graphic depictions” as a result. The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in its guidelines on “The Students’ Right to Read” (2012), argues, “Literature about ethnic or racial minorities remain ‘controversial’ or ‘objectionable’ to many adults…. “Though nominally, the criticisms of racial or ethnic literature have usually been directed at ‘bad language, ‘suggestive situations,’ ‘questionable literary merit,’ or ‘ungrammatical English,’ the underlying motive for some attacks has unquestionably been racial.” Using the coded language the NCTE provides, we can see that the reasons given to the ALA as evidence supporting a book ban and/or challenge appear racial. The complaints do not say, “We should ban this book because it is about an Iranian woman,” but the codes found in words like “offensive” point to a racially-based book ban.
This kind of censorship is inappropriate and unfair to our students, who deserve to have historical events contextualized in multiple forms (movies, graphic novels, novels, short stories, documentaries, and art to name a few forms) and to have students from multiple cultures represented in texts. English Language Arts programs is, “…not one instructional resource, but many; not one curriculum objective, but several” (Guidelines for selection of materials in English language arts programs, 2014). The use of Satrapi’s text allows for many objectives to be met simultaneously:
1. It is historical non-fiction, which allows it to be taught as an informational text rather than as literature. It is also naturally interdisciplinary, which allows for and encourages complementary teaching across Social Studies and English Language Arts classes.
2. It is beautifully written. Even though it is classified as an informational text, many of the literary devices English Language Arts teachers long to discuss can still be discussed.
3. As a graphic narrative, it can be taught to students who read at a wide range of Lexile levels. Visual learners will also benefit. Its graphic form also allows it to become a “high-interest” text when it probably wouldn’t be in other circumstances
4. As a historical narrative covering the Iran-Iraq War from the perspective of an Iranian woman, it meets the Common Core Standard for “diverse cultures.”
5. As a memoir written by a woman, it allows educators to disrupt the male-centered curriculum so often seen in classrooms across the country
6. Persepolis can easily be included in a text set with other texts. It can be used in a unit on war, the Iran-Iraq War specifically, women in the Middle East, women’s rights, and fights for freedom.
Depending on the instructional context used by the instructor, Persepolis can meet many curriculum needs simultaneously, while widening the worldview of American-centric readers. In schools with high populations of immigrants and refugees, Persepolis helps provide a face that is often much more like theirs in a sea of literature dominated by dead white men.
As with any highly-challenged book, it is probably always a good idea to send parents a permission slip in advance that provides them with 1) an opportunity for their student to do an alternate assignment instead 2) a rationale for why you believe the text is worthy of study and 3) reasons why the book is challenged. It’s certainly possible that parents will balk at the idea of their children reading a book that some consider “offensive,” but I have faith that with simple explanations and the ability to change their mind, the vast majority of your students will be able to read texts as important as Persepolis.

25 people found this helpful

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"Waystation 49"

Cartoon strips show snapshots of post Shah Iran

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2023

Verified Purchase

What an interesting way to tell her childhood story!

I have often been told to write my story / autobiography.... somehow drawing pictures brings memories, even painful ones, more 3- dimensional. I really felt what I would have felt going through her experiences.

I am not Persian / Iranian. At the time the Shah left "for vacation ", I had a job offer to teach in Tehran. I had been introduced to my serious boyfriend's father and been "approved." I was learning Farsi, loved the language and culture. In 2978-79, Tehran was still considered the "Paris of the Middle East." The culture was very westernized with western world values. The culture crackled with life, night life, fashion, dance and music, arts, and singers like Dariush, and Farhad. Yes, Persians were ( are) religious at that time, but similitude to Americans now, religion was more how you lived your life, it didn't dominate your life by force or cult.

Marjane takes me back to that overwhelming and confusing time in my life. Her book for me, picks up just after I ended my marriage plans with my boyfriend and we went our own ways.

She is helping me to close an old chapter.

Separately, her first psges talk about her feeling a calling to be a Prophet. While I didn't want to be a prophet, I too had a strong spiritual calling from maybe age five (?), and neither of my parents were overly religious. My mom liked to practice her singing, so she went to church. My father cut grass. His "god" was the lawnmower.

Maybe one day I will interview Marjane. For sure, I would love to meet her and thank her for writing such an important- and culturally healing - book.

I am recommending her book to other Persians I know of, some were asylum seekers.

5 people found this helpful

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Betsy

graphic novel

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024

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I read comic books when I was a kid, no, loved them. When I find a serious graphic novel for adults, I read it. My book club recommended it, but I had already read it. I, in turn, recommend this book. I had read the previous version, and I missed her grandmother, but this story was just as powerful, maybe moreso. Her relationship with her uncle was heart-rending. The violence was hard to see and read, but I felt that it was necessary. The men in her life add to the arc of the story. This is the story of what is happening to women in Iran. It needs to be told.

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Cliente de Amazon

Excelente narrativa

Reviewed in Mexico on December 13, 2023

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Excelente historia! La evolución de la protagonista es muy orgánica y la forma en que se cuenta la historia es muy ingeniosa. Aunque el estilo es muy caricaturesco los temas fuertes no carecen de intensidad. Un clásico en proceso.

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Marcos Pereira

Precioso

Reviewed in Brazil on September 15, 2022

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Além de ser graficamente agradável, traz uma narrativa gostosa, com humor e profundidade! Recomendo muito!

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Arale

Looks New!!

Reviewed in Canada on July 26, 2022

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Cannot believe that is a used book. No marks, no wear. All corners are perfect. It is an excellent experience!

Jaina Shah

Fantastic

Reviewed in Sweden on May 10, 2023

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I had read this book a long time ago and it is a pleasure to re-read it now. It is still relevant in today's day and age.

Lino scardigno

der klassiker

Reviewed in Germany on March 25, 2023

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der klassiker: wurde schon alles zu gesagt....
hier diesmal comic ok verpackt und ohne beschädigung angekommen - was bei comics nicht immer der fall ist.

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