I was surprised to find so much history incorporated into Persepolis. I was expecting the book to be much more focused specifically on Marjane. Instead, I think I would describe this first half of the story as a historical commentary as seen through a young Iranian girl’s eyes rather than an autobiography.

I think that in itself says a lot about the political situation in her country at that time (and still ongoing) – even a young girl could not escape from the political turmoil. It is similar to a Holocaust survivor trying to relate his or her life without mentioning World War II and the horrors experienced therein.

After reading over the cover of the book, I know it specifically mentions the book as a memoir of her life in Iran during this time period, but I’ve always heard of Persepolis as simply a book about a girl with Iranian heritage growing up in France (I think that might be closer to part II). I’m glad I was mistaken because I find the book way more interesting so far.

I like the way that the story is told by Satrapi as an adult with the point of view of a child. She captures the innocence and confusion of a child growing up in such turmoil while still being able to make sense of everything and present her story maturely and humbly to her readers. I appreciate the blunt honesty used in referring to other nations such as the United States, and the love she conveys for a country that the world does not often get a chance to see in a good light.