Books & Audiobooks
On September 16, 2022, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after being beaten by morality police in Iran for wearing her veil improperly, sparking a wave of protests that grew into an unprecedented feminist movement that garnered the support of men.
Taking its title from a slogan adopted by protesters, Woman, Life, Freedom is a vibrant collection of comics that illuminate the events surrounding Amini’s death and explore what they mean for Iran and the world.
Marjane Satrapi—whose autobiographical graphic novel Persepolis has been called one of the best books of the 21st century—brought this book to life with the words of experts including political scientist Farid Vahid, journalist Jean-Pierre Perrin, and historian Abbas Milani along with 16 talented artists. The comics and illustrated essays included in the book span a wide range of art styles, reflecting both the diversity of Iranian experiences and global messages of solidarity brought on by the protests.
The collection is divided into three sections that weave together a record of events surrounding Amini’s death, an exploration of Iranian cultural and historical context, and stories of rebellion that echo throughout Iran and the diaspora. The book concludes with a discussion the contributors had about their visions for Iran’s future, seamlessly guiding the reader from worries of the past towards hope for freedom.
As one comic elegantly concluded, “the art of rebellion is an everyday battle.” This collection of comics brings readers into a world of small acts of resistance to show how the protests that caught media attention were not sudden occurrences, but rather an inevitable symptom of life within a system of control. The third anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death provides an opportunity to reflect on the events that transpired and consider stories and perspectives that Western news media can neglect or obscure.
For those who haven’t ventured into the world of comics journalism, I think this is an incredible introduction to the medium! This book demonstrates the powerful ways comics can be used to document, communicate, and interpret events in our world. It is an impactful and thought-provoking read that captures a moment—and movement—in real time.
