Tag Archives: book-reviews

Marjane Satrapi and the impact of ‘Persepolis’

May 21, 2026 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Karl Salkowski

Who is Marjane Satrapi and what is the influence of the book ‘Persepolis’.

Marjane Satrapi was born on November 22nd, 1969, in Rasht, Iran. She grew up in the city of Tehran in an upper middle class family. In addition, her parents were both active leftists against the Shah monarchy. In 1983, at age 14, she fled Iran, moving in with a family friend in Vienna, Austria. She stayed in Vienna for the rest of her schooling, attending the Lycée Français de Vienne. After being evicted from the convent she was forced to move into, she became homeless and lived on the streets of Austria for 3 years. Satrapi decided to return home to Iran due to loneliness, deep depression, and a feeling like she did not belong in Europe.

When Satrapi was 30 years old, in the year 2000, she published an autobiographical memoir about her life, entitled ‘Persepolis’. The novel begins and follows a ten-year-old Marjane Satrapi navigating life following the Iranian revolution. ‘Persepolis’ is critically acclaimed, having been translated into over 24 languages, and selling over two million copies. The book was originally published in French, in France, but was later translated to English in 2003.

‘Persepolis’ challenges Western views of Iranian people and the revolution, telling a coming of age story from the perspective of someone experiencing the revolution firsthand. The book was hated by the Iranian government, who viewed it as propaganda, supporting modern leftist movements. Still to this day, Marjane Satrapi is unable to return to Iran almost 30 years after ‘Persepolis’s’ publication.

Just a few years after the book’s widespread success, in 2007, Marjane Satrapi directed and oversaw ‘Perepolis’s’ film adaptation. The film would later go on to share the Jury Prize with a Mexican film titled ‘Silent Light’ at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. However, the Iranian government would see this award as “an unconventional and unsuitable act,” and the government would later have the film dropped from the Bangkok International Film Festival, a major cinematic event that showcased over 200 films from over 40 different countries.

I personally really enjoyed the book ‘Persepolis’, and I would highly recommend it. It is one of the most engaging graphic novels I have ever read with some of the most interesting artwork and structure. I could not put the book down, and it is one of my favorite books I have read so far in 2026. I would give this book a 9/10, and I believe everyone should read it at least once.

Books/Art

Donna Tartt’s ‘The Secret History’

October 7, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Baarika Suresh

Donna Tartt is an absolute genius. Her use of the English language is absolutely extraordinary. She can write about the most profane subjects without the reader even realizing as her diction blooms over the darkness of her writing. Reading one of her books such as ‘The Goldfinch’ or ‘The Secret History’ is like entering into a world of its own.

She published her first and most famous book, ‘The Secret History’ in September of 1992. It is told from the perspective of Richard Papen, a transfer college student to a liberal arts college in Vermont. He befriends Bunny, Camilla, Charles, Henry and Francis, the only others in his classics class as well as the teacher, Julian, and finds out that they are more than meets the eye.

Henry and his gang live in a world in their heads away from the mundaneness of their lives. Richard is a shell of a man who, like a chameleon, fits in with his surroundings yet he struggles to fit in with this group. He tries to prove himself, but in the end falls into their trap.

‘The Secret History’ is 544 pages divided into only 8 chapters. I think this makes the story flow more smoothly. The characters develop so beautifully and are described so realistically that I could tell you all about my good friend Richard. Tartt gives her characters such humanistic characteristics, and they are so easy to empathize with.

The book is a masterpiece and you should definitely read it. To really understand Tartt’s mastermind, you must read at least one of her books. My first recommendation is obviously ‘The Secret History’ but ‘The Goldfinch’ is also a gem. ‘The Goldfinch’ was also scheduled to become a movie but never became one because the producer Tartt was working with passed away. It is about a boy who comes into possession of a painting after a terrorist attack in an art museum that killed his mum.

I would give ‘The Secret History’ a 10/10.

Books/Art

A review of ‘Wonder’ finding courage and kindness

October 2, 2024 HPSH Plaid Line Leave a comment

By: Kimberly Mascote Rangel

‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio is a touching and inspiring book. It’s about a boy named August Pullman, who is starting school for the first time. Auggi, as he is called, has a facial difference that makes him look different from the other kids. The story follows his experiences as he begins fifth grade at Beecher Prep a private school and his experiences with bullying and getting called names.

One of the best parts of ‘Wonder’ is how the story is told from different points of view. We get to hear not just from Auggie but also from his sister Via and some of his friends and classmates. This helps us understand how Auggie’s condition affects everyone around him and it makes it interesting and a good book to read that keeps you intrigued to finish reading it.

Auggie is a wonderful character. Even though he faces many challenges he stays positive and brave. His kindness and strength make him a role model for everyone. The book’s main messages are about being kind and accepting others and also seeing the good in people. These lessons are important and make the book very meaningful.

In ‘Wonder’ the conversations between characters feel real and the emotions are genuine. The book talks about topics like bullying but it also shows the power of friendship and support. It also shows the power of having kind people around you that make you feel better and are nice to you.

Overall, ‘Wonder’ is a beautiful book that teaches us to look beyond appearances and value everyone for who they are. It reminds us that kindness and understanding can make a big difference in people’s lives. This book is a must read for anyone who wants a story that is both heartwarming and thought provoking. I would give it a 9/10.