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thewlisian_aferPersepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This is one of those rare cases where I like a movie better than I like the book. However, I still completely adored the book and highly recommend it. My review of the movie went like this:
Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrapi's best-selling, internationally acclaimed memoir-in-comic-strips.
Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trails of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.
Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom--Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.
This is one of those rare cases where I like a movie better than I like the book. However, I still completely adored the book and highly recommend it. My review of the movie went like this:
Oh, wow. When I review films, I like to have at least one positive or negative thing no matter how much I disliked or liked it. But I don't have a single nitpick about Persepolis. I loved the animation style. I want the soundtrack. The story was fascinating. And even though my personal struggles are triggered by small-scale things and Marjane's were triggered by world events, I identified with her hardc0re, which always makes things more interesting to watch. I cried no fewer than five times but I also did a fair amount of laughing. It was really pretty much a roller coaster emotionally. There were parts where I was disturbed and/or crying but also laughing at the same time, thanks to the writing. I think if I were to make a list of films that I think are perfect, this would be on it. I need the graphic novel and my own copy of the DVD, like ... yesterday.And that, minus the part about the music (and if you replace "animation" with "artwork"), is pretty much how I feel about the book, as well. Marjane Satrapi is pretty freakin' amazing.
