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Saints
170 pages
A poignant, visually striking exploration of finding belonging and faith in a world determined to cast you out.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic novel feels like stepping into a quiet, deeply personal corner of a sweeping historical storm. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging pace, carried by a tone that is both wryly observant and profoundly empathetic. You are immersed in a bittersweet, tense atmosphere where the search for a name and a place to belong takes center stage. The storytelling is clean and accessible, yet it masterfully weaves spiritual visions into the harsh realities of cultural alienation and war. It is an emotionally resonant experience that traces a journey from profound loneliness to tragic, steadfast conviction. This book will deeply satisfy readers who gravitate toward nuanced, character-driven histories that explore the heavy costs of faith and identity.
- Mood
- melancholy
- spiritual
- tense
- bittersweet
- Tone
- earnest
- empathetic
- poignant
- wry
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- search for belonging · religious identity · cultural alienation · the cost of faith · finding self-worth
- The writing
- Clean, accessible dialogue paired with expressive visual storytelling that seamlessly blends the mundane with the mystical.
- The arc
- Moves from the lonely ache of being unwanted to a quiet, steadfast conviction in the face of tragedy.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love nuanced, character-driven graphic novels that explore the messy intersections of faith, history, and personal identity.
Content notes
- religious persecution
- violence
- war
- child neglect
- martyrdom
About the book
Boxers: In China in 1898 bands of foreign missionaries and soldiers roam the countryside, bullying and robbing Chinese peasants. Little Bao has had enough: harnessing the powers of ancient Chinese gods, he recruits an army of Boxers--commoners trained in kung fu who fight to free China from "foreign devils."
Saints: "China, 1898. An unwanted and unwelcome fourth daughter, Four-Girl isn't even given a proper name by her family when she's born. She finally finds friendship-- and a name, Vibiana -- in the most unlikely of places: Christianity. But China is a dangerous place for Christians. The Boxer Rebellion is in full swing, and bands of young men roam the countryside, murdering Westerners and Chinese Christians alike. Torn between her nation and her Christian friends, Vibiana will have to decide where her true loyalties lie-- and whether she is willing to die for her faith"--Front flap.
Description from Open Library.
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