Genre
Graphic Novel, Biography
Audience
Ages 8 and Up
Author’s Worldview
Catholic
Year Published
2023
Themes
American literature, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Rose Hawthorne, Mother Mary Alphonsa, cancer history, American history, Catholic Saints, Venerable, puritan heritage

Reviewed by

Courtney Guest Kim
If you know anything about American literature, you know that Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter, and that his stories explore the dark side of his Puritan heritage. What you might not know is that his daughter, Rose Hawthorne, became Catholic, then eventually a Dominican, Mother Mary Alphonsa, who in March 2024 was declared “Venerable” by the Vatican’s Congregation of Saints. This means that John Hathorne, one of the Salem witch trial judges, is just two miracles away from seeing his great-great-great-granddaughter canonized as a Catholic saint. (Nathaniel added a W to his surname to distance himself from this ancestor). 

Voyage Comics’ biography of Rose Hawthorne takes us on a fascinating journey. It begins with her birth into the household of the famous novelist and shows how her concern for the poor began from her father’s influence, which marked her profoundly even though he died when she was only thirteen. The narrative takes us through her young adulthood as a member of a family that was connected to most of the famous American literary figures of the late 19th century. Rose Hawthorne married George Lathrop, and both embarked on literary careers.

The death of their son, who succumbed to diphtheria at the age of four changed everything for Rose and George. They made a radical break from their social circle when they became Catholic. George’s conversion did not halt his descent into alcoholism, and it was this further tragedy that led to Rose’s venturing off alone to make a life without him. In 1896, she opened a three-room home for indigent cancer patients in New York’s Lower East Side, which at the time was a slum. In the late 19th century cancer was thought to be contagious. Not only were cancer patients turned away from hospitals, but they could also be evicted from rented homes. The first U.S. institution to admit cancer patients, New York Cancer Hospital (now Memorial Sloan Kettering) was founded in 1884, and Rose trained there to be a nurse. Eventually she went on to found Rosary Hill Home in Westchester County, which still provides free palliative care to patients with incurable cancer today. 

The teaching of the Catholic Church agrees with that of the Puritans on the point that all Christians are called to be saints. “Saints are persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation” (USCCB.org). So, though Nathaniel may have been alienated from his Puritan heritage, Rose’s journey was, in some respects a fulfillment of rather than a break with her paternal ancestry. According to the trajectory officially recognized by the Catholic Church, Rose Hawthorne as Venerable is someone whose intercession may be invoked to ask for a miracle, usually a healing from an incurable illness.

The artwork as always with Voyage Comics is engaging and vividly illustrates the life story of this fascinating but little known American heroine. The images of diseased patients are evocative without being gruesome. It is suitable for readers from elementary school through adulthood, and will be of interest to anyone who wants to explore American history.

The Grace Crasher by Mara Faro

The Grace Crasher is the ecumenical romantic dramedy that everyone who has ever had family members in split churches needs to read.

Hidden: Don’t Fear the Unseen by Verity Lucia

Clare Thomson wasn’t sure she believed in angels and demons – until she could see them.

See No Evil; A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria

In Post-WWII England, nearly everyone has something to hide—even kill for. Father Gabriel starts uncovering the truth, bringing souls the chance for redemption.

Nun of My Business by Karina Fabian

When a nun hires Vern to prove that a new pop song is evil, the dragon suspects his new client might be hiding something.

For the Pastoral Care of the Sick: July Books to Pray with Reading List

Use your recreational reading to foster an empathetic and Catholic imagination. A reading list to reflect on the sacrament of anointing of the sick, for them and their caregivers.

Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang

This two part graphic novel tells its story from 2 sides China’s bloody civil war: A Boxer Rebel & a “traitor” Christian-Convert.

The Eternal Spring By, Phillip MacArthur

A fairy tale about faith, hope, and the destruction they protect us from.

Best of 2019

Comic Books, Classic Literature and newly converted Catholic authors– 2019 brought some excellent changes to the literary tradition of our faith.

Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors by Katharine Campbell

This quirky, fairytale fantasy is a fun and amusing read with a serious moral backbone.

The Rose and the Snake by Mark Restaino, Illustrated by J.P. Alcemendas

This thought-provoking children’s tale is tailor made to improve reading comprehension and teach a child where real self-worth comes from.

Jonah’s Voyage to Atlantis by Voyage Comics

What if Jonah had traveled through the underworld while trapped inside the whale?

August Books To Pray With: For Political Leaders

A book list to fuel your prayers for the world’s political leaders and grow your Catholic empathetic imagination.

McCracken and the Lost Lady by Mark Adderley

McCracken gives us the grounded swashbuckling Catholic hero that our inner child has always wanted.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

PANIC! (unSPARKed #3) by Corinna Turner

It’s a three hour drive unSPARKed, and for city-folk, anything might cause PANIC!

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol.2) By, Philip Kosloski and Michael Lavoy

Can one map be the key to stopping the Viking Invasion?

Milestone to Manhood: A Christian Rite of Passage to Help Your 13-Year-Old Son Make the Leap from Boyhood to Manhood by David Arms and Steven Arms

One father’s quest to help his sons learn what it means to be a man – and how you can start your own tradition.

Life Choices The Gift By Pat Wiedemer, Neil Thompson, Philip Kosloski

Casey’s birthday present to Josh is a little more than they bargained for.

The Lost Vessel by Mark Adderley

McCracken joins a treasure hunt for Captain Nemo’s lost ship in this exciting adventure that adds another chapter to Jules Verne’s greatest creation.