In the enchanting novel Guardienne, we journey to early 1900s Taiwan—a time when tradition and societal norms tightly gripped women’s lives. Set against the rich tapestry of the Qing dynasty, this beautifully woven narrative immerses readers in the delicate balance between personal agency and cultural expectations.

Taiwan during the Qing dynasty was deeply patriarchal. Women were born into a world where their sole purpose was to secure a good marriage. But once wed, the pressure intensified: they were expected to bear sons. This pressure gave rise to various folk practices, each claiming to ensure male offspring. Chieh, our spirited protagonist, observes her sister-in-law’s desperate adherence to these superstitions. Meanwhile, Chieh herself faces the relentless push toward marriage—can she ever break free?

One fateful day by the river, Chieh stumbles upon the lifeless body of a woman. A priestess is summoned to guide the departed spirit peacefully, preventing it from haunting the town. The mysterious woman seems attuned to the spirit world, and Chieh glimpses a chance for change. She becomes the woman’s apprentice, but soon, strange handprints appear on her legs as she sleeps. Simultaneously, more women vanish or are found dead. Chieh grapples with her choices: What path will she forge, and can she find the life she truly desires?

Guardienne paints a vivid portrait of an independent young woman navigating the complexities of Qing-era society. Folk tales and religion intertwine, revealing the struggles faced by women in a provincial city—their beauty, their tragedies, and their unwavering resilience.

“Nool proudly will unveil the first volume of Guardienne during the Cairo Comix festival in November 2023. Readers eagerly immersed themselves in Taiwan’s past, and now, the anticipation builds—the second volume is slated for release in July 2024!” 📚🌟

Nownow | 小峱峱