Book+29+-+Persepolis+The+Story+of+a+Childhood


 * Discussion Dates:** Friday 22nd July to Friday 5th August



1. What would you rate this book out of 10 and why? Rachel: 7/10 I'm not a big fan of the graphic novel but really wanted to give this particular book a try. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and raced through it in a day. I thought it was really thought provoking and I found the history of Iran and Satrapi's account of growing up amidst conflict powerful and accessible. The power of the images seem to have gained in significance since reading it and I feel I have gained an important insight into a non-western female's experience. Mel, my feminist friend I urge you to put aside your anti-graphic novel sentiments and give this one a go!

2. The // New York Times //hails // Persepolis //as “the latest and one of the most delectable examples of a booming postmodern genre: autobiography by comic book.” Why do you think this genre is so popular? Is this a genre that you enjoy and want to read more of? Rachel: I am not a fan and I can't imagine reading another but I found this a refreshingly different reading experience. I found it difficult initially to marry the serious content with the 'simplistic' pictures but it quickly became apparent that each of these images packed a punch. When you consider the power of symbols in popoular culture and mass media it doesn't surprise me that the grpahic novel us gaining in popularity. Whether it should or not us another question! I am a bit of a purist and traditionalist when it comes to my reading... I thought it was very poignant when Satrapi uses image alone to narrate the incident when one of their friends falls to their death while running away from the police. I would love to do close analysis of that section.

3. In an interview, Satrapi said, “The only thing I hope is that people will read my book and see that this abstract thing, this Axis of Evil, is made up of individuals with lives and hopes.” And in her introduction to // Persepolis //, she explains that she wrote this book to show that Iran is not only a country of “fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism.” How does Satrapi go about challenging this myth? How does // Persepolis //dispel or confirm your views on Iran?

Rachel: Absolutely. I really enjoyed seeing the families having their underground parties and Satrapi's parents were very inspiring. The tea drinking and cigarette smoking, the Kim Wilde tapes...it was so heartening to hear about communities continuing to exist behind locked doors and closed curtains inspite of the risks. Got me thinking about those in Syria right now.

4. Which aspects of Marji’s character do you identify with or like the most, the least? Rachel: Just adored her character. She was so rebellious and strong and intelligent. Standout moments of the book were her portrayal of her changing body and face shape...hilarious...and speaking out and for herself.

5. “Every situation has an opportunity for laughs.” (p. 97) Give some examples of how the ordinary citizens of Iran enjoyed life despite the oppressive regime. What made you laugh? How does Satrapi add comic relief? How are these scenes relevant to the story as a whole?

6. At the core of the book is Marji’s family. What environment do they create for their daughter despite living under an oppressive regime and through a brutal, prolonged war? From where do they get their strength?

7. What is the role of women in the story? Compare and contrast the various women: Marji, her mother, her grandmother, her school teachers, the maid, the neighbors, the guardians of the revolution.

8. What is Satrapi suggesting about the relationship between past and present, and between national and personal history? What role does her family history, and the stories of her relatives, play in shaping Marji?

9. Do you have anything that you would like to say or ask about Book 29?

Rachel: A lot of the questions above are very 'big' and could be essays in their own right. I am actually about to teach this book to my class for the first time and I look forward to discussing ideas exactly like this. I do think in retrospect that it was possibly too contextually heavy for a book club choice and I will bare this in my mind on my next turn. Really interested to know if it spoke to anyone or if this was a big flop!!!