Persepolis

Well, I just finished the book. I'm not really sure how that happened...but I'm done. And I am thrilled to report that I totally loved it. I actually wish it was longer. From the moment the story began, I felt enthralled...and I couldn't put it down.

This book is very different from the other novels we have read so far. The most obvious difference is that it is a graphic novel, so alot of the story is told through the illustrations. It is also a much simpler read. Because half of the story is pictures, readers spend more time analyzing the pictures that are provided with each snippet of wording. For example, when her uncle is talking to her, the quote reads, "Everything will be alright" (66). However, readers get the emotion behind this line by looking at the picture above. The man's face is bowed, covered in shadows, a look of distress painted on his simple features. Readers understand that this man is not particularly optimistic. He is not saying this because he believes it, but because he wishes it were true. On page 131, words are not even necessary to portray the authors feelings. In the illustration, she is gleaming up at a poster of Kim Wilde, copying the pose of the celebrity, obviously showing that she idolizes Wilde. These are just two examples of how the illustrations are integral to how one reads the book.

I loved how the shading of the illustrations (the use of black and white) varied with each situation. When perilous events were occurring or Marjane realized how bad a situation was, a dark shadow of blackness would be cast on her face. I like how this ominous shadow was a symbol for destruction and loss of innocence throughout the novel.

There are also a lot of similarities between Persepolis and the other three books we read. It tackled some deep issues - such as death, torture, and government control - that we have touched upon so far this semester. It is a nonfiction, first person narrated story, much like 1 Dead in Attic, but with a more continuous flow to it. I felt connected to the main character the entire time, and unlike Falling Man, I saw her go through a transformation. Unlike Keith, who I felt was an extraordinarily flat character, I think that Marjane is a quite round character. I felt connected to her and I cared what happened to her and her family. I felt like I was with her has she lost her innocence and learned about the corruption of the world around her.

I had never read a graphic novel before, so I was really excited about reading this book. I learned alot about the history of the Middle East. It also put a lot of things into perspective for me - mostly about how lucky I am to actually have rights as a female. All in all, this book was enlightening, fast-paced, and intriguing.