11 Banned Books by Women to Read Right Now

(Image via Pantheon)

4.) Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi

What it’s about

This graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi depicts her childhood and young adulthood in Iran, during and after the Iranian Revolution of 1978-1979. Its companion, Persepolis 2, shows Marjane’s high school education in Austria, followed by her return to Iran in order to attend college, marry, and then divorce, before her final move to France. Marjane’s relatively liberal and modern family struggles with the wide-ranging upheavals taking place throughout their homeland.

Why it was banned or challenged

School officials throughout the country complained about the graphic content of the novel, stating that students may not have been developmentally prepared to deal with some of the content of Satrapi’s work. A district directive even commanded that teachers remove the book from all Chicago public schools. However, students reacted en masse to the action, writing articles, staging protests, and even contacting Satrapi herself. In response, the school district rescinded its order.

Why you should read it

Persepolis is routinely part of many “best of” comics lists, for good reason. It is a well-written, affecting personal story with arresting art to tell the tale. It doesn’t hurt that the graphic novel draws upon humor and sadness in equal measure, creating a work that strikes at the center of your being. Satrapi also humanizes Iran, a country that is often depicted as a frightening monolith to Western audiences.