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liketheday's review
3.0
Both books in this set provide a fantastic overview of this whole Boxer Rebellion thing that I know so little about, what with my established antipathy toward all things history. My knowledge is a lot better now that I've read these books and done some cursory Internet searches, so three thumbs up for learning things! I love that Yang shows "both" sides of the story, Boxer and Christian, but also shows that each side has its own good and bad guys and that history and life are super complicated.
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oltombom's review
4.0
This was very good and very devastating. Even so, there are many humorous parts throughout. This is the second graphic novel about the Chinese Boxer Rebellion in 1899. This was when some of the Chinese people fought against the Europeans and Chinese collaborators (like Christian converts). This book is from the Chinese, Christian converts and European's side of the Boxer Rebellion (his other gn is from the Boxer side). The description of book on Goodreads makes it sound like a fairly simple pro-Christian book, but that is not the case. It is ambiguous and complex. Almost all of the European missionaries are shown in a negative light along with most of the converts as well. The main character herself is a very lukewarm convert. Like the other book, Boxers, this one has a cool spirit world side story. The book gripped me and devastated me as well.
As with the other 2 graphic novels I have read by Gene Luen Yang, this book had a very short sexist/objectifying of women part which keeps them all from getting 5 stars. I don't remember what it was now, but I remember being very disappointed when came across it. Maybe to most people they would not really notice them, but I think they are not appropriate. Hopefully in his newer books he has stopped doing that.
As with the other 2 graphic novels I have read by Gene Luen Yang, this book had a very short sexist/objectifying of women part which keeps them all from getting 5 stars. I don't remember what it was now, but I remember being very disappointed when came across it. Maybe to most people they would not really notice them, but I think they are not appropriate. Hopefully in his newer books he has stopped doing that.
sducharme's review
4.0
If only every historical event could have a graphic novel...I'd learn so much. Loved this companion to BOXERS, which tells the other side of the story about the Boxer Rebellion in China. Here, our hero is a Chinese girl who is outcast by her family and takes up Christianity as a way to find peace. She's visited by the ghost of Joan of Arc and is inspired to become a fighter in the cause.
This companion book is a bit easier to follow than its predecessor but less colorful (perhaps a nod to the religious tone of the characters?)
This companion book is a bit easier to follow than its predecessor but less colorful (perhaps a nod to the religious tone of the characters?)
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
Reading both of these books increases the enjoyment and meaning of each, exponentially.
A discussion of these books could translate into a whole Western Civ. meets Asian Studies class. And then there is the whole Women's Issues seminar.
Yang weaves these two perspectives together masterfully. The "aha" moments when you realize you've seen this scene before are wondrous. The moment when I realized that Joan and Four-Girl and Bao were working to the same purpose was illuminating. And the multiple perspectives were thought provoking.
I will be ordering these for my middle school.
A discussion of these books could translate into a whole Western Civ. meets Asian Studies class. And then there is the whole Women's Issues seminar.
Yang weaves these two perspectives together masterfully. The "aha" moments when you realize you've seen this scene before are wondrous. The moment when I realized that Joan and Four-Girl and Bao were working to the same purpose was illuminating. And the multiple perspectives were thought provoking.
I will be ordering these for my middle school.
teagueamania's review
4.0
There is nothing elaborate about Gene Luen Yang's drawing or storytelling , but the tale in "Saints" is poignant. The parallel between the two main characters seems plausible, with an ending that covers many emotions. I will definitely seek out the companion volume, "Boxers", and say more (and not type a review using a mobile anymore).
jgarrigan's review
4.0
Recommended Age: 10+
The second half of Boxers and Saints isn't quite as strong as the first, but that's mainly due to length. The first book is about twice as long, and more time is spent with the characters as a result. This fleshes them out, and makes you care more when events, both good and bad, occur. This isn't to say that Saints is weak by any means however, just that it's the lesser of the two in comparison. It is needed to get the complete story of the boxer rebellion, from the points of view of children on both sides, and is still highly recommended. The art is still fantastic, and the story well worth reading.
The second half of Boxers and Saints isn't quite as strong as the first, but that's mainly due to length. The first book is about twice as long, and more time is spent with the characters as a result. This fleshes them out, and makes you care more when events, both good and bad, occur. This isn't to say that Saints is weak by any means however, just that it's the lesser of the two in comparison. It is needed to get the complete story of the boxer rebellion, from the points of view of children on both sides, and is still highly recommended. The art is still fantastic, and the story well worth reading.
kinx128's review
4.0
Boxers & Saints is an incredibly powerful piece of historical fiction told in the format of a graphic novel. The illustrations are potent and the story is heartbreaking. There are no winners; only losers. It is a story of revenge and intolerance. Gene Luen Yang has written an amazing novel that you will not forget.
The images in both books tell a very strong story. At times, it is very graphic where I suck in my breath as I see the next image. Yang depicted all the intolerance of the Boxer Rebellion from the Chinese and Christians alike. I found myself getting angry at both sides. I found no heroes; only villains and victims. War is horrific and Mr. Yang captured it with his words and illustrations. Just so very powerful!
As I read more graphic novels, I’m finding that they tell amazing stories and are a great medium for historical fiction. The use of vivid colors and graphic illustrations really bring a story to life. I enjoy looking at an author’s vision of a certain piece in history; in this case, The Boxer Rebellion. I knew very little about it. From this book, I really didn’t names, dates or place; instead I learned about love, hate, faith and loyalty. Those are true emotions of war and were depicted in a way that penetrates your mind and definitely leaves a permanent mark.
Boxers & Saints is a wonderful graphic novel that needs to be read and appreciated for a great work of historical fiction.
The images in both books tell a very strong story. At times, it is very graphic where I suck in my breath as I see the next image. Yang depicted all the intolerance of the Boxer Rebellion from the Chinese and Christians alike. I found myself getting angry at both sides. I found no heroes; only villains and victims. War is horrific and Mr. Yang captured it with his words and illustrations. Just so very powerful!
As I read more graphic novels, I’m finding that they tell amazing stories and are a great medium for historical fiction. The use of vivid colors and graphic illustrations really bring a story to life. I enjoy looking at an author’s vision of a certain piece in history; in this case, The Boxer Rebellion. I knew very little about it. From this book, I really didn’t names, dates or place; instead I learned about love, hate, faith and loyalty. Those are true emotions of war and were depicted in a way that penetrates your mind and definitely leaves a permanent mark.
Boxers & Saints is a wonderful graphic novel that needs to be read and appreciated for a great work of historical fiction.
brandypainter's review
5.0
ull review of both Boxers & Saints can be found here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.