Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia, is also the title of Marjane Satrape’s graphic memoir that has just been made into an animated film out this weekend and getting rave reviews. “Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood”(2003) and it’s sister book “Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return”(2005) tells of growing up in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution. I have been fortunate to hear Marjane speak in person. It is truly sobering to hear how her family and friends did not believe at the time that the fundamentalist would gain such power. I came away feeling that somehow I had been warned to take heed and to pay attention and not take our civil liberties for granted.

In 2004, Marjane was interviewed by Nancy Pearl during her Seattle stop in connection with her book tour for “Perseplis 2″ . Marjane currently lives in Paris with her husband.