UReview: 'Persepolis'
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Shelby Roehre, 15, Allegheny Intermediate School
"Persepolis" is a unique and interesting book. It held my attention, yet at some points I found the plot confusing.
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UReview: 'The Librarian of Basra'The MY GEN Book ClubThe fact that the book holds relevance and truth behind it makes the reader want to learn more about Middle Eastern politics. It is a good time for this to be the book of the month, for it deals with the Middle East and its governments, which most of us teens have no idea about.
The characters are just like families in America -- opinionated and confusing. They speak dialogue that the reader can follow, and the book being in comic-book form helps the reader. The characters are real people. They show real feelings and emotion. The intellectual and hard-hitting comments are witty and compelling. The book also deals with relevant information that can help us with the past and future of the Middle Eastern governments and politics.
The story tells the life of an Islamic girl, Marji, who is wealthy and lives with protesting parents but thinks with her own mind and chooses her own rebellious actions.
I feel a new perspective toward the Middle Eastern people. I had thought they choose to hate Americans and do such evil things to their country and people. This book shows me all my thoughts were wrong and discriminating. The people are forced by their government to do things they do not wish. The freedom in America that we have gave me a new pride in our nation. This book will open the eyes of many people.
Taylor Lawson, 13, Falk Laboratory School
"Persepolis" is a woman's account outlining her life as a young girl during the Islamic Revolution and then the war against Iraq. I find the story interesting because the whole book is in black-and-white comics, which adds a unique twist to the entire atmosphere of the book.
In a way, it makes the book seem more real, seeing pictures with every caption so you can see the characters' reactions and facial expressions. The main character in the book, Satrapi, narrates the book, starting at the age of 10. She explains about how the revolution was taking place and how her schools changed and girls started having to wear veils.
The book is over a time span of about four years, ending with the Iran-Iraq War still going on. The reason that I find this book really interesting is because it is about somewhat of an adult issue and it is told through a child's perspective, so, for some kids, I think it would be easier for them to read. They can relate to Satrapi's thoughts and emotions because she is their age. I would recommend this to people who like books about real-world issues and books that have strong emotions.
First Published October 31, 2006 12:00 am
