Marjane recounts her experience as a child growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. As a young child, Marjane sees the changes from the permissible to the fundamentalist behaviors taking over, and she is confused. With progressive (but now staying under the radar for their safety) parents, she walks the very fine line between what is permissible in her world and what is regarded as "okay" in her home. As we see her mature in understanding, our heart breaks with her as she makes the inevitable transition to safety.

This story ripped me to shreds. I know there are several versions of this book, but done in this graphic novel/French drawing style beautifully, painfully well done. It's a reminder of what we lose in wars/corrupt politics...and that children/teens are still going to be children/teens and care about what they wear and what is trendy, while equally living with the day-to-day realities of war. Satrapi's writing cuts to the heart, and her raw, succinct images and words describe what happened not in an over the top way, but very plainly. She didn't overshare at all, and every morsel of what she did share contributed to the story.

This book changed me. I know very little about this history, but now I am very convicted that this is history I *need* to know and understand as best I can. I'm so thankful for Satrapi recording her story. I can't wait to read what else happens.


Pairings: The Handmaid's tale (specifically a study on child voice v. adult voice, but female v. male voice would also be fascinating in these books.)