Justice

"Justice is an artistic character-driven way to learn about the recent history of the Nepali civil war."―Tucker Lieberman, Independent Book Review

THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Picture this: "It was a simple life; a peaceful life," muses Tara, the vibrant narrator of Ram Khatri's graphic novel. But hold on, buckle up, because Justice takes you on an emotional roller-coaster through her Nepali farming family, flipping her innocent childhood upside down. We're talking about early 2000s chaos, where Nepal became a battleground between Maoist revolutionaries and government forces. Tara's dad? Pressured to pick a side. Neighbors? Turning on each other. Young folks? Dragged away to fight. Tara's parents? Trying to dodge the drama, until Maoist rebels and government soldiers visit their home one after another, turning their barn into a hiding spot. And when the worst happens, Tara's left blaming herself.

But here's the twist – the storytelling in Justice isn't your typical tearjerker; it's a tense, heartfelt saga casting shadows over what was once a sunny childhood. This isn't just any story; it's a unique tale standing tall in the mainstream book market, rooted in the Nepali Civil War with characters and settings that pop off the page.

Let's talk about Tara's family, living the farm life during the Maoist armed conflict (1996–2006). Her elder brother? Abducted by Maoist rebels and disappeared. Cue the upheaval – threats, blame, and beatings from government soldiers. The family becomes the village outcasts, and they've got no choice but to ditch their cozy village home for a safer spot with relatives. Amidst all this, Tara and her sister, Maya, still hit the books as tensions soar.

But wait, there's more! Tara's parents, hungry for justice, head to Kathmandu, and spoiler alert – it's not a smooth ride. Dad passes away, Mom continues the hunger strike, and Tara spills all the feelings – sentiments, tensions, and worries about what the future holds for her family. Oh, and Tara's brother, Sudeep? He makes a mysterious comeback to their abandoned house, leaving us all on the edge of our seats, wondering what went down.

In Justice, you're not just reading a story; you're diving into a roller-coaster of resilience, complexities, and a few good plot twists. So grab a seat, because this graphic novel isn't just a page-turner; it's a heart-pounder, a tearjerker, and a jaw-dropper all in one.

FACT BEHIND FICTION

In the tumultuous decade of the ‘People's War’ in Nepal during the 2000s, the toll was devastating – more than 17,000 lives were lost, and thousands of innocent civilians endured abduction and violence at the hands of both government and Maoist forces. Despite the passage of years since the war's conclusion, the fate of nearly 1,400 missing individuals remains unknown. This enduring uncertainty serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved aftermath of the conflict.

The narrative of Justice derives its strength from the grim realities of this post-war era in Nepal. While the characters in the story are fictional, their experiences are grounded in the events that unfolded during and after the Civil War, providing a poignant portrayal of the profound impact on the lives of individuals and the nation as a whole. The narrative thus becomes a powerful conduit for understanding the lasting repercussions of the conflict and the challenges faced by a society attempting to heal from the wounds of war.

REVIEWS & EARLY PRAISES

“An affecting graphic novel about political persecution in the midst of a civil war, Justice captures a perilous period well."
—Foreword Clarion Reviews

"A touching graphic novel about a simple family caught up in a civil war. . ."
―Kirkus Reviews

"Khatri's poignant graphic novel brings to life, vividly, the journey of a young woman to reclaim the traumatic landscape of her past."
―Samrat Upadhyay, Author of Arresting God in Kathmandu

“The storytelling in Justice is tense and heartfelt, the shadows gathering over a sunny childhood."
―BookLife Reviews

"Join Tara on a compelling journey through Nepal's unexpected historical struggle. The impactful blend of words and illustrations powerfully narrates the country's story during this significant period."
—Nayan Raj Pandey, Bestselling Author and Screenwriter

"It's a story of Tara who returns to her abandoned home in her remote village and confronts the trauma and suffering caused by the protracted conflict—known as 'The People's War'—that altered the lives of countless families forever."
—The Himalayan Times

"An exploration of an exotic land (to Americans, anyway) with all too familiar human challenges. The world keeps getting smaller."
—Paul Levitz, American Graphic Novel Writer, Editor, and Former President of DC Comics

"The lively part of the novel begins when the main character wants to exist in the space of her home."
—Sushant Thapa, Poet and Literary Critic

"The piercing story of a young woman split from her family during Nepal's civil war."
―BookLife Reviews

"A gripping tale of one family's struggle to seek justice during a time of uncertainty."
—Rachel Slaiman, Freelance Editor

"A real depiction of a window of Nepal's history. A beautiful tale of an ugly war of Nepal."
—Tara Sigdel, Associate Professor at University of California

"Justice is based on a teenage girl and her family's fight for justice during the decade long Maoist-government war in Nepal."
—The Sahitya Post

"The 'life-like' illustrations in this graphic novel provide the vivid story about everyday struggles to the villagers during the so-called People's War."
—Subodh Raj Pyakurel, Human Rights Activist & Chairperson of INSEC, Nepal

"The People's War is a poignant moment in our history, highlighting the injustices everyday people face during times of war. The story of its victims is one that deserves to be told since so few have received justice for the hardships they've had to suffer."
—Blake Hoena, Graphic Novel Writer and Editor

"A heartwarming story of family connection, recollection, and survival. The author has revived the memories of the people affected by the Maoist-government war through the displaced to the working farmers."
—Ganess Paudel, Author & Nepali Translator of Of Mice and Men

". . . encourages the reader to focus on the human face of the conflict and the effect of war on civilians."
―Kirkus Reviews