Eye-opening, educational, expressive and energetic, our March Book of the Month is WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM — a graphic novel, a chant, a mantra that deserves to be heard from every platform all over the world. This is a powerful visual narrative about the feminist uprising in Iran collaborated by Marjane Satrapi, an international award-winning author, film-maker and artist, in her new graphic novel in two decades. From 18 contributing artists from Iran, Spain, France and more, this is adds to the fierce voices amongst the women and men who have fought through oppression for women’s rights and freedom for centuries.
The title is derived from a protest slogan adopted when masses rose up in anger following the murder of Mahsa Amini by the police on 22nd September 2022, simply for not wearing a headscarf in line with their morality rules. From this appalling incident, a protest movement began, fuelled by justice and anger, joining the past revolutionary movements in the fight for feminism. Demonstrating incredible and formidable courage in actions such as throwing off headscarves and cutting their hair, Iranians continue in the present battle against an oppressive and murderous state, sacrificing everything they have for the cause. The 18 extraordinary graphic artists that have contributed to this book, with vibrant hand-drawn art and writing, give a deeply personal and touching account of the stories, perspectives and understanding of Iran’s social and political climate.
Structured into three parts, this empowering book shows how, despite resistance, arrest, torture, violence and death, this movement can never be silenced. The first part is dedicated to telling Mahsa Amini’s story around her death and the incredible uprising it stirred, despite extreme and manipulative government attempts to suppress it; the second teaches Iranian revolutionary and political history, traditions and the depth and nuance of the effect of past events to present-day challenges; and the third shows the current fight against the Islamic Republic through defiance, protest and creativity to bring global awareness and support towards a free Iran.
Unyielding, persevering and unwavering, the rallying call of Woman, Life, Freedom will echo through time until its message has reached every ear, steadfast and unshakeable in striving towards a hopeful future.
WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM is published by Seven Stories Press UK
9781911710103 | PB | £30 | 20th March 2024
“From images of crowds chanting the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”, to women removing their mandatory headscarves, and of the regime’s brutal crackdown and the young Iranian men who have been executed after taking part in the protests, the book honours the dead and depicts a young generation’s protest, its deep-rooted desire for freedom and equality.”
The Guardian
“A vivid and painful testimony of the deep popular frustration percolating across Iran and the underlying hope that accompanies it.”
Financial Times
“Bestseller Satrapi brings together cartoonists such as Paco Roca, Joann Sfar, and Lewis Trondheim in an illustrated anthology about the rise of feminist protests in contemporary Iran including her own new drawings.”
Publisher’s Weekly
