This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Persepolis

   The Story of a Childhood

   

   This graphic novel is a memoir that provides a personal account of the author's childhood and young adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. The story portrays the impact of war, political upheaval, and religious extremism on ordinary people, while also exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Despite the harsh realities the protagonist faces, the narrative also includes moments of humor and warmth, providing a nuanced view of life in Iran during this tumultuous period.

   The 668th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Persepolis Two

   The Story of a Return

   

   This graphic novel continues the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. After being sent to Europe for her safety, she struggles with feeling out of place and longs for her homeland. Eventually, she returns to Iran, only to find it vastly different from the place she remembered. The book explores themes of identity, culture, and the effects of political upheaval on a personal level.

   The 4986th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Embroideries

   

   Set in the intimate setting of a post-lunch gathering, a group of Iranian women, spanning different generations, come together to share candid stories about love, marriage, and the complexities of womanhood. Through their conversations, they reveal personal anecdotes filled with humor, heartache, and resilience, offering a glimpse into the private lives of women navigating societal expectations and personal desires. The narrative unfolds with a blend of wit and sincerity, highlighting the strength and solidarity found in female friendships and the universal quest for happiness and fulfillment.

   The 9312th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Persepolis 1 & 2 — The Complete Persepolis

   The Story of a Childhood and The Story of a Return

   

   This poignant graphic memoir chronicles the tumultuous journey of a young girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Through a series of vivid illustrations and candid storytelling, the narrative captures the stark contrasts between public and private life, the impact of political upheaval on personal identity, and the struggle for freedom and self-expression. As the protagonist navigates her formative years amidst war, cultural shifts, and eventual exile, the story offers a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of resilience, family bonds, and the quest for individuality in the face of societal constraints.

   The 10044th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Femme, Vie, Liberté

   

   Set against the backdrop of a politically turbulent Iran, this evocative narrative delves into the lives of women striving for autonomy and self-expression in a society that often stifles their voices. Through a series of poignant vignettes, the story captures the resilience, courage, and solidarity of its characters as they navigate personal and societal challenges. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, freedom, and the universal quest for dignity, offering a powerful reflection on the enduring spirit of those who dare to dream of a better future.

6. 6. Persepolis 2

   The Story of a Return

   

   In this poignant graphic memoir, the protagonist navigates the complexities of adolescence and identity while living in exile in Europe. Struggling with cultural dislocation and personal upheaval, she grapples with issues of belonging, rebellion, and self-discovery. As she confronts the challenges of growing up away from her homeland, her journey is marked by moments of humor, heartbreak, and resilience, ultimately leading her to reconcile her past with her present and find her own path in a world that often feels alien.

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7. 7. Persepolis, Volume 1

   The Story of a Childhood

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, this graphic memoir chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young girl in Tehran. Through her eyes, readers experience the tumultuous political and social upheaval that transforms her country, as well as the personal struggles she faces in reconciling her identity amidst the chaos. The narrative is both poignant and humorous, capturing the innocence of childhood while delving into the complexities of cultural and familial expectations. The stark black-and-white illustrations complement the story's raw and honest portrayal of life in a rapidly changing society.

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8. 8. Chicken With Plums

   

   Set in 1950s Tehran, this poignant narrative delves into the life of Nasser Ali Khan, a renowned musician who loses his will to live after his beloved tar, a traditional Persian instrument, is irreparably damaged. Over the course of eight days, the story intricately weaves through his memories, dreams, and encounters with family members, revealing the profound impact of love, loss, and artistic passion on his soul. As Nasser Ali reflects on his past and the choices that led him to this moment, the tale unfolds with a blend of humor, melancholy, and cultural richness, ultimately exploring the depths of human despair and the search for meaning.

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9. 9. Persepolis, Volume 2

   The Story of a Return

   

   A young woman returns to Iran after years abroad and confronts the suffocating effects of war, religious repression, and social hypocrisy as she comes of age; torn between a Westernized sense of independence and family and cultural expectations, she endures loss, censorship, strained relationships, and the arrest of friends while searching for identity and the freedom to pursue her art, ultimately deciding to leave again in search of autonomy.

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10. 10. Persepolis, Volume 4

    

    After years abroad she returns to Iran and confronts the dissonance between the personal freedoms she experienced in Europe and the restrictions of a repressive, conformist society; the narrative follows her attempts to reconnect with family and culture, the pain of feeling like an outsider at home, the collapse of a marriage born of compromise, and her ultimate decision to leave again in search of autonomy — all told with wry, candid, and starkly visual reflections on identity, love, and exile.

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11. 11. Persepolis, Volume 3