In 1981, the Salvadoran Civil War reached Miriam's village of Santa Marta.
After spending her days bringing tortillas to the guerilla fighters nearby, she watched government soldiers encroach on her town. Military intimidation turned to violence, and violence turned to the threat of a massacre. Miriam and the women of her town began a forced and desperate exodus.
In 2021, Ernesto Saade visited Santa Marta to hear Miriam's story.
The result of that in-depth conversation is this graphic account of conflict, displacement, and the Red Stones massacre. This event, not known by all even within El Salvador, is one part of the scar its civil war left behind—a moment of tragedy and resilience seen through the eyes of someone who lived it.
About the Author :
Ernesto Saade is an El Salvador-born architect turned cartoonist. After years spent in the world of construction work, he left to pursue his master's degree in illustration and comics from the Barcelona School of Design and Engineering. Now, he works at a non-governmental organization that allows him to devote 100% of his time to drawing comics. Ernesto Saade is an El Salvador-born architect turned cartoonist. After years spent in the world of construction work, he left to pursue his master's degree in illustration and comics from the Barcelona School of Design and Engineering. Now, he works at a non-governmental organization that allows him to devote 100% of his time to drawing comics.
Review :
"This powerful graphic novel about a little-known battle in Salvadorian history needs to be on every graphic novel shelf."—starred, School Library Journal
"A momentous testimony."—starred, Kirkus Reviews
"Written in the framework of the author's visit to Santa Marta and Miriam's interview, the account is harrowing but candid and does not shy away from the reality of what civilians face during wartime. The artwork is detailed, lending the story a strong sense of place and atmosphere; characters' emotions are clearly portrayed throughout."—Booklist
"To reveal the full experience of the Red Stones Massacre, interviews and eyewitness testimonies are referenced. Miriam's own compelling narrative is recounted in retrospect, informed by her childhood views. . . . The artwork is remarkable and haunting. . . "—Foreword Reviews
"Simple paneling and cinematic plot beats convey a moving story of war and displacement set against a lushly rendered jungle backdrop with starlit night skies."—Publishers Weekly
