If only my life could be comic book style, sigh. I love Marji because her world is constantly changing but she stays true to what she believes. The rebellion of the women against the veils was such a power move because they were not going to be pushed around. Mothers in Iran had to be strong to protect their families and be optimistic to not lose hope. However, I did not like how many women put other women down even though they are all having to face the misfortunes of war and a dangerous environment.
It must have been such a difficult time for parents to raise their kids, and it was probably more treacherous than discussed in the book. The history of Persepolis and the tales of emperors and kings is fascinating in the culture of Iran. Also, the media has really altered my view of the veil because before reading this book, I did not really know what it was. Being forced as a child to adapt to a completely different lifestyle and adhere to new rules is something I would never want to go through. Marji and the children of Iran possess an admirable strength. Cherishing what little childhood you have during a war is important because tomorrow is not determined.
The strategy of the key and the promise of heaven/women/desired things was disturbing. The way Iran’s government targeted their young boys to fight in their war shocked me. When Marji and her dad were discussing the quality of Iraq’s weapons compared to the quantity of Iranian soldiers, the fatality of Iran’s soldiers was imminent. War provides a feeling of desperation and ultimately a result of internal conflict. Corruption of the government and society during the war proves people will do anything to move up the food chain.
Cards, board games, posters, etc. being banned proves the miserable state of Iran. Having items from Western culture: Kim Wilde poster, Michael Jackson pin, and Nike shoes, show peoples’ appreciation for other cultures but the Iranian government does not like any admiration for foreign ideas. I would hate this because I really enjoy learning and purchasing items that are from different cultures and businesses.
This book was interesting to read because I am unfamiliar with the living conditions of war, especially for a child. I feel very fortunate to have a safe home where I have food, water, and the ability to express myself. I had good friends and a loving support system as a child and I know not everyone had the resources I did.
Also, I like Marji’s humor even though she had to deal with serious events in her life. It is so sad that the youth of Iran were being lied to and manipulated by their teachers. I trust the teachers I have to inform me of important things happening in the world, and I value that as a student. Survival in Iran only came from keeping your head down and pushing through. Marji pushed those boundaries by speaking up and bringing awareness to the death that the school was not disclosing, and expressing her admiration for Western items.
The loss of innocence and response to the Iranian Regime’s “Call to arms” cost many children their childhood. An important and adored figure of Marji’s is her Uncle Anoush who was a symbol of hope while the revolution was young. Anoush was fond of the leftists and Marxism proved Marji would click with him. (God looking like Karl Marx)I liked their relationship because they had the same ideals, which can be good and bad. The hope that everything will be fine is false because the regime would be worse than the Shah. His imprisonment proved that faith in systems can not be trusted if everything is changing. Overal 9.5/10, would read again.
Nice random observations/reflections. You know, the Puritans in England, and later in the US, were something like the Regime in their legislations against certain behaviors and practices. They closed the theaters, canceled Christmas (except for church, of course), arrested and fined people for such things as coarse language and skipping services, etc–all under the guise of religion. The witch trials exposed them as being mainly interested in power, just like the Regime, but the Puritans lived in a superstitious time, so we can excuse their behavior to some degree. But the Regime, in my view, represents the worst kind of evil.
The loss of childhood is an interesting phrase. Marji had some good years until she was forced to wear the veil and so a lot of her character was formed. She knew the difference, by that time, between right and wrong, and so she was not easily influenced. If the Shah had stayed in power, she might have found other ways to rebel!