Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses drug addiction, suicide, and war.

The sequel to Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood opens in Vienna in 1984 after Marjane’s tearful departure from Tehran at age 14. She finds herself in a small room in a Catholic boarding school, awaiting her mysterious roommate. This was not what her parents intended when they sent Marjane abroad.

Her parents arranged for her to stay with her mother’s friend, Zozo, but it immediately becomes clear that Marjane isn’t wanted in the home. In exile, Zozo and her husband Houshang have lost much of their status, wealth, and dignity. In Iran, the family was wealthy with status and good jobs, but in exile they struggle financially and emotionally. The result is a home full of fighting, screaming, and anger. Their teenage daughter, Shirin, has become spoiled and materialistic. When Zozo finally says that she has found another home for Marjane, Marjane is relieved to be moving on.

The boarding school is in Vienna, near Rathaus. Several of the nuns speak fluent French. Marjane is fluent as well but speaks no German. She is nervous about the arrival of her roommate but is proud of her newfound independence. She explores a well-stocked grocery store, marveling at the full shelves compared to barren shops in Iran.