Persepolis
Marjane Satrapi
Vintage
A graphic memoir published originally in French, Persepolis is a timeline of Satrapi's life. Outspoken, strong headed and savvy, Satrapi describes the revolution, Iran/Iraq war and her period of exile in Vienna with finesse, humour and great intelligence. This is an unflinching memoir retold through often witty illustrations and with great honesty. Satrapi does not pull any punches, criticizing both the Shah's and Islamic Republic regimes for its abuse of human rights and its hypocrisy.
I really enjoyed reading Persepolis. I saw my own thoughts and experiences growing up as a young girl in Iran reflected back at me through this moving memoir. It was amazing how parralel our lives were: both born in the same year, grew up in North Tehran and attended bilingual schools. Our parents marched in the same demonstrations and were bitterly dissapointed when their dreams of democracy turned into dust. Maybe that's why this book struck a cord with me.
Persepolis remains a timely book and a must read for anyone interested in Iran and her troubled history
About Me
- Banafsheh Serov
- Australia
- I am passionate about the written language. I love writing, reading, reviewing, selling and promoting books. I am an independent bookseller with over 20 years of experience in the book trade. Together with my partners, I actively aim to improve our bookstore's range and services to better reflect the needs of our community and clientele. In 2008, my memoir 'Under A Starless Sky' was published by Hachette, Australia. Since then, I had a short story 'Jasmine Petals' published in 'Stories of Belonging' (Finch) and in 2013, released my first full-length novel, The Russian Tapestry, also by Hachette. I am currently writing my second novel. I strive daily to improve my skills and stretch the limits of my craft. My love of books has naturally lead to reviewing. You can follow me on Twitter @B_Serov, Facebook www.facebook.com/BanafshehSerov and Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/1429016.Banafsheh_Serov
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
American Rust - Philipp Meyer
American Rust
Philipp Meyer
A&U
American Rust is a story of unfulfilled dreams; a story of a town raised on the back of a steel factory and its slow death once the factory closes down. Set against the natural beauty of Pennsylvania, Meyer paints the aftermath of economic downturn on people once their livelihood is taken away.
Isaac and Poe are two young men bound to the town by their families, responsibilities and its natural beauty. They both dream of a future away from the shackles that keeps them from moving forward. A violent act however sets them on a course that threatens to trap them further into the very life they wish to escape.
What I liked best about this book is that the characters are real with everyday ambitions and frailties. There are no heroes overcoming super human situations. Just regular people with simple dreams of college, family, love and a happy home life.
Told with empathy and great insight, American Rust a hugely ambitious book for a first time writer. Meyer however has managed to execute his task to perfection. It is a timely book given the recent collapse of GM and the closing of factories in US and abroad.
Philipp Meyer
A&U
American Rust is a story of unfulfilled dreams; a story of a town raised on the back of a steel factory and its slow death once the factory closes down. Set against the natural beauty of Pennsylvania, Meyer paints the aftermath of economic downturn on people once their livelihood is taken away.
Isaac and Poe are two young men bound to the town by their families, responsibilities and its natural beauty. They both dream of a future away from the shackles that keeps them from moving forward. A violent act however sets them on a course that threatens to trap them further into the very life they wish to escape.
What I liked best about this book is that the characters are real with everyday ambitions and frailties. There are no heroes overcoming super human situations. Just regular people with simple dreams of college, family, love and a happy home life.
Told with empathy and great insight, American Rust a hugely ambitious book for a first time writer. Meyer however has managed to execute his task to perfection. It is a timely book given the recent collapse of GM and the closing of factories in US and abroad.
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