I’m doing a series at work (a library) where I’m reading the classics that are painted on the stairs. “Persepolis” is one of the titles featured there.

It is a modern classic about Marjane Satrapi’s childhood in Iran around the time of the revolution.

The story is told in black and white graphics which took a little getting used to, but by the end, I rather liked.

Our heroine is so brave throughout this novel. She goes to protests, though people have been killed while protesting.

She has political beliefs that challenge the status quo, even though she has family members who have died for similar beliefs.

She likes to wear western clothes and listen to western music, even though such things could get her into serious trouble.

I liked Marjane a lot. But, having a daughter myself, I couldn’t help but empathize with her parents a little. They were trying to raise their daughter in such a challenging time- I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.

Even sending her out the door to school every day must have been a trial.

“Persepolis” has appeared on challenged or banned book lists in the past and I don’t understand why. I didn’t find anything offensive in these pages. The truth could be disturbing, but it is a good thing to put yourself in another person’s shoes for awhile.

It makes me realize what a charmed childhood I enjoyed.

Highly recommended.

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