Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood is the first of two autobiographical graphic novels by Marjane "Marji" Satrapi. Writing from Paris, Satrapi recalls her childhood in Iran. The story of Marji’s childhood is set against the history of the Shah’s overthrow, the rise of the fundamentalist Islamic theocracy, and the Iran–Iraq War.

Visually, Persepolis is depicted in simple, black-and-white images. Although Satrapi states in her introduction that Iran is today associated with “fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism,” the Iran of Marji’s childhood is not so simple as black and white. Indeed, six-year-old Marji is immersed in a world of complex ideas, both secular and religious. The ambitious and idealistic Marji wants to be a prophet like Zarathustra, except when she wants to be a revolutionary leader like Che Guevara. As her country becomes lost within conflict, Marji is forced to find her self.

When the story opens, Marji is a schoolgirl in 1980, one year after what is now known as the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The daughter of a well-off family espousing Western values, Marji has—until the revolution—attended a secular French school. The political revolution over, the fundamentalists undertake a cultural revolution, and even young Marji finds herself embroiled within its influence. Bilingual schools have been closed, girls no longer go to schools with boys, and, most conspicuously, girls are required to wear veils to school. The veil is a controversial symbol within the new order.

The controversy and discord under the Islamic regime is actually the latest unfolding of an ongoing political struggle already decades old during Satrapi’s childhood. Before the Islamic fundamentalists took control of the state, the revolution was directed at the repression and corruption of the Shah’s government. Friends and members of Marji’s family had been imprisoned under the Shah’s rule, including her maternal grandfather (who, incidentally, was an emperor of Iran overrun by the Shah’s father). Both of Marji’s parents, Ebi and Taji, protested against the Shah’s policies. However, their motivation was not based on familial revenge but rather on their Marxist politics. Imagine their surprise when they discover that the leftist revolution they supported has rallied around Islamic values rather than Marxist ideals.

As the Islamic theocracy solidifies its power, former revolutionaries are killed one by one, several of whom are friends of the Satrapi family. Eventually, even Marji’s favorite uncle, Anoosh, who had been held as a political prisoner under the Shah, is again imprisoned. Anoosh is permitted only one visitor while he is imprisoned, and he calls upon Marji. Sadly, she is the last friendly face he sees, for he is soon executed under the pretense that he is a Soviet spy. As the fundamentalists’ cultural policies gain momentum, the theocracy raids the American embassy, famously holding Americans prisoner. Coincidentally, this prevents many Iranians who would have fled to America from applying for visas. Finally, to prevent students from being led astray from the “true path” of Islam, the universities are closed.

Used to a modern lifestyle—one that includes card playing, dance parties, and heated political debate—the Satrapi family acutely feels the repression of their liberty. Although they take part in demonstrations in defense of their freedoms, they are forced to give ground to fundamentalist policies.

These fundamentalist constraints begin to be accepted by the populace, particularly those that become known as Guardians of the Revolution. After she is harassed for not wearing a headscarf, Taji begins to wear the veil in public. Later, Taji hangs curtains in her windows to prevent neighbors from spying on and reporting her family’s now illicit activities. However, the family remains relatively secure financially, and they...