Persepolis

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Author Marjane Strapi discusses her childhood growing up in Iran during a war. She discusses issues that she had growing up such as having to wear a viel during school, and not understanding why this would be required since she did not always have to wear one. She also discusses her parents participating in demonstrations to show their contempt for what is happening in their country. Strapi discusses feeling helpless when her country is being bombed and there isn't anything that she can do about it. During the whole story Strapi discusses what his happening in her country and with her country's army, including her's and her parents feelings on the matter and what was happening to her during these times. At the end of the story her parents send her away to France, reminding her to be true to herself.

This story is very powerful. This could be used to teach the effects of war on families as well as children. With the topics that are explored and some of the events of the story I would recommend that this book would be most applicable in a high school setting where the students would not only understand what all was happening, but be able to handle the details of the story.

Reading Persepolis made me realize that all children have different battles that they are going through. This book could be beneficial in teaching students that everyone has a different journey. In our textbook it talks about how culture is constantly changing and how everyone has a different culture that they grew up in. I think this describes this book perfectly.

Citation

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. France: L'Association.