From American Born Chinese author Gene Luen Yang: an innovative look at China's Boxer Rebellion told from two points of view, in two companion volumes. China, 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." But nothing is simple. Little Bao is fighting for the glory of China, but at what cost? So many are dying, including thousands of Chinese citizens who have converted to Christianity.
We picked up this historical graphic novel at the library book sale last year, but I only got round to reading it now. It is based in the late 19th and early 20th century and tells the story of the Boxer Rebellion in China from the viewpoint of a young rural peasant boy. The story shows how the clash of Eastern and Western cultures, with the threat of colonialism, has major effects on the people, especially those in the rural areas. It's well-drawn and, once I got going, it was hard to put down. I have to admit that I don't know a lot about the history of the Boxer Rebellion, but this book piqued my interest enough to want to go and find out more about it. There is also companion volume, Saints, which we picked up from the library sale at the same time. It tells the story from the viewpoint of a young girl who has been converted to Christianity. I'll be interested to read that one soon as well.
