Saints
Saints
Book Brief
Beta170
Novel • Fiction
China • 1890s
2013
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Saints by Gene Luen Yang follows a young Chinese girl who converts to Christianity during the Boxer Rebellion. She struggles with her identity and faith, ultimately choosing a new path as she experiences visions of Joan of Arc. The graphic novel explores themes of religion, cultural conflict, and personal transformation.
Humorous
Playful
Fantastical
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
16,365 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Saints by Gene Luen Yang is lauded for its compelling narrative and rich, historical context. The artwork vividly complements the story of identity and transformation. Some reviewers feel the pacing could be tighter, but the blend of humor and gravity is broadly appreciated. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and visually engaging graphic novel.
Who Should Read Saints?
Fans of historical fiction and graphic novels like Persepolis or American Born Chinese will enjoy Saints by Gene Luen Yang. It appeals to readers interested in cultural identity, religious themes, and Chinese history, blending storytelling with vibrant illustrations in a Young Adult appropriate narrative.
16,365 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Saints is a companion graphic novel to Gene Luen Yang's Boxers, both of which explore the Boxer Rebellion from different perspectives, offering a unique dual narrative.
Gene Luen Yang was the first graphic novelist to be named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress in 2016, highlighting his contributions to young adult literature.
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The two graphic novels, Boxers and Saints, were both nominated for the National Book Award in 2013, showcasing Yang's skill in combining historical events with compelling storytelling.
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170
Novel • Fiction
China • 1890s
2013
YA
14-18 years
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