Persepolis – Marjane Satrapi

I always get irritated when reviewers use the term “deceptively simple”, it seems like a real cop-out. What’s wrong with just simple? The term certainly applies to this affecting graphic novel, both in terms of its monographic visuals and its storytelling.

The reason it works so well is the interweaving of autobiography and Iranian history. I learned a lot, and the import of the story is reinforced by the sad stories of Satrapi’s family and friends.