Tribute to Marjane Satrapi, A Woman of Courage, Strength and A Light That Will Never Fade
- Renée Coloman
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
A sadness pricks at my heart any time we lose an author whose life work positively impacts who we are as humans in this shared world of ours. Marjane Satrapi passed the other day at the age of 56. Too early in life to say a final goodnight.
My first encounter with Marjane's more recent of her graphic novels came to me thanks to my Penn Hills Library Book Club friends who recommended Woman, Life, Freedom. Wow! From the cover to the last page, I was mesmerized by the narrative, the truth behind the story, the cruelty that humans can easily, without second thought, without a second breath, execute upon others, as though elevating the power of one life above populations of citizens is a rightful gift bestowed from a favored god. Marjane had the courage, the strength, the passion, and flickers of bright rebelliousness to defy and resist authoritarianism that destroys human lives.
The narrative in Woman, Life, Freedom highlights the Iranian feminist uprising following the 2022 beating death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police for not wearing her headscarf properly.
The graphic novel impacts my heart and soul in so ways that reinforce a purpose within me to always, always choose kindness and compassion. To listen with an open mind. To absorb the truth and to value life, no matter our perceived differences.
I've always found it baffling that, collectively, we as humans appreciate and value the uniqueness of plants, flowers, art, books, music, dogs, cats, birds, lions, giraffes. Yet, for some insane reason, we diminish the uniqueness, the difference, in human life. I'll never understand what makes someone whose skin color is uniquely different, who speaks, prays, loves, reads, sings differently, as unappreciated. Belittled. Banned. Degraded.
If we choose to listen with an open mind, an open heart, together we can be a light that never fades.
We will miss you, greatly, Marjane Satrapi.
Such an amazing story. I saw the movie then later learned it was a graphic novel. Her way of the telling the story with a mix of humor/pathos and serious grit was undeniable. I believe she died after her husband. If so, she may have died of a broken heart.