Related Literary Works to Persepolis
Graphic Novels and Memoirs
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Maus shares several thematic parallels with Persepolis, particularly in how it uses the graphic novel format to tell a deeply personal story against the backdrop of historical trauma.
ExampleLike Persepolis, Maus employs:
- Black and white illustration style
- Autobiographical narrative
- Complex political themes through a personal lens
- Coming-of-age elements intertwined with historical events
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
This graphic memoir resonates with Persepolis in its exploration of family dynamics and identity formation during turbulent times.
NoteBoth works feature:
- Female protagonists navigating complex family relationships
- Questions of sexual and personal identity
- The intersection of personal and political narratives
Iranian Literature and Memoirs
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
This memoir provides another perspective on life in post-revolutionary Iran, particularly focusing on women's experiences and the power of literature.
TipWhen studying Persepolis alongside Reading Lolita in Tehran, pay attention to:
- The role of Western literature in both narratives
- The impact of the Islamic Revolution on women's lives
- The theme of intellectual resistance
The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
While not a separate work, it's important to note that the complete version combines both volumes of Persepolis, providing a more comprehensive narrative arc.


