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Separated from Santo: The True Story of an Italian-Canadian Internee during the Second World War
A poignant and eye-opening graphic novel chronicling one Italian-Canadian family's traumatic separation when their loving father and husband is interned as an "enemy alien" during the Second World War.
In 1933, disturbed by the rise of Mussolini’s fascist regime, Santo and Alice Pasqualini left their native Italy and settled in Vancouver, Canada, to create a new life far away from the burgeoning madness of Europe. The couple opened a bakery and became naturalized residents of their new country, avoiding politics and concentrating on working hard and building a family.
Unfortunately, their refuge was short-lived, when Santo was arrested for being an “enemy alien” and interned first in Kananaskis, Alberta, and then in Petawawa, Ontario. Italian Canadians, similar to Japanese and German Canadians were considered a threat to the country and therefore, these individuals, mostly male, were imprisoned with no release date determined. Santo, a hardworking man who loved his family, lost his bakery, delivery truck, and house. Meanwhile, his wife and children struggled to get by, as he was interned for twenty-four months, with little to no communication between him and his family. Alice suffered a nervous breakdown due to the stress of the situation and was hospitalized, resulting in their two children being sent off to live with two separate families for nearly two years.
Told in dynamic graphic novel form, Separated from Santo depicts an individual who was mistreated, who persevered, and eventually was reunited with his family. Instead of being bitter towards adopted country, the family accepted the situation for what it was, and was thankful to build a home in such a great country. Decades later, apologies from the Canadian government acknowledged the injustice, though the incident reverberated through generations. Written by the great-grandson of Santo and Alice, this poignant and powerful story is a reminder to see the humanity behind every so-called “enemy.”
In 1933, disturbed by the rise of Mussolini’s fascist regime, Santo and Alice Pasqualini left their native Italy and settled in Vancouver, Canada, to create a new life far away from the burgeoning madness of Europe. The couple opened a bakery and became naturalized residents of their new country, avoiding politics and concentrating on working hard and building a family.
Unfortunately, their refuge was short-lived, when Santo was arrested for being an “enemy alien” and interned first in Kananaskis, Alberta, and then in Petawawa, Ontario. Italian Canadians, similar to Japanese and German Canadians were considered a threat to the country and therefore, these individuals, mostly male, were imprisoned with no release date determined. Santo, a hardworking man who loved his family, lost his bakery, delivery truck, and house. Meanwhile, his wife and children struggled to get by, as he was interned for twenty-four months, with little to no communication between him and his family. Alice suffered a nervous breakdown due to the stress of the situation and was hospitalized, resulting in their two children being sent off to live with two separate families for nearly two years.
Told in dynamic graphic novel form, Separated from Santo depicts an individual who was mistreated, who persevered, and eventually was reunited with his family. Instead of being bitter towards adopted country, the family accepted the situation for what it was, and was thankful to build a home in such a great country. Decades later, apologies from the Canadian government acknowledged the injustice, though the incident reverberated through generations. Written by the great-grandson of Santo and Alice, this poignant and powerful story is a reminder to see the humanity behind every so-called “enemy.”
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 27, 2025
Separated from Santo is a beautiful story about the Italian Canadian Internment during WWII -- something I did not know much about as the focus was mainly on Japanese Canadians. This story captures the hardships faced by the Italians that were sent to internment camps who were labelled as fascists in Canada, as well as the love and perseverance by the friends and families of those affected, especially Santo Pasqualini's family. An intergenerational book that spans decades, this book shows the effects of Santo's internment up until the 2000s where 2 official apologies by the Canadian government were shown in the book. It is a very important piece of history that I am happy to have learnt. The poems interspersed throughout the book also made it so much deeper. The illustrations by Cam, and the colouring by Alex perfectly captured the mood of the story and I can't imagine it any other way. It was is a very special read.
October 2, 2025
Absolutely amazing. The art style is simple yet very beautiful and the story itself is written in such an interesting way that made me really feel for these people and intrigued in their story. Amazing work!
December 31, 2025
A heartfelt and moving read. Prior to this book I had no idea of the hardship endured by Italian Canadians. It is so important to bring these parts of history to the forefront. A commendable addition to teach future generations.
April 8, 2026
This was such a powerful and important story.
I really loved that this is a Canadian story, and a true one. I always appreciate books that help bring Canadian history to life, especially stories that aren’t as widely known but are so important to understand.
The graphic novel format makes this story really accessible, while still carrying the full weight of what this family went through. I appreciated how it showed the emotional impact on every member of the family, especially the separation, uncertainty, and hardship they endured.
Knowing this was written by a descendant of the family made it feel even more personal and meaningful. You can really feel the care and intention behind how their story is told- and I appreciated how it shared more about them, photos, and documents!
I would definitely recommend this for more mature middle grade readers, especially grades 5 to 7. It would be such a strong addition to classrooms and libraries when learning about Canadian history and World War II.
I really loved that this is a Canadian story, and a true one. I always appreciate books that help bring Canadian history to life, especially stories that aren’t as widely known but are so important to understand.
The graphic novel format makes this story really accessible, while still carrying the full weight of what this family went through. I appreciated how it showed the emotional impact on every member of the family, especially the separation, uncertainty, and hardship they endured.
Knowing this was written by a descendant of the family made it feel even more personal and meaningful. You can really feel the care and intention behind how their story is told- and I appreciated how it shared more about them, photos, and documents!
I would definitely recommend this for more mature middle grade readers, especially grades 5 to 7. It would be such a strong addition to classrooms and libraries when learning about Canadian history and World War II.
September 16, 2025
Separated from Santo is a moving and eye-opening personal recollection of the experiences of Italian immigrants in Canada during World War II. As an American reader, I was surprised to learn about the existence of internment camps in Canada, something I had not encountered before in my studies of the war. The book sheds light on a lesser-known part of history, making it a valuable read for those interested in wartime recollections and immigrant experiences.
Visually, the graphic novel leans heavily on words, with fewer detailed illustrations. While some may find this text-forward style unusual for the format, the sepia-toned artwork adds an atmospheric quality that suits the historical subject matter well.
Overall, Separated from Santo is a thoughtful, poignant read that will resonate with anyone drawn to stories of family, identity, and survival during wartime.
Visually, the graphic novel leans heavily on words, with fewer detailed illustrations. While some may find this text-forward style unusual for the format, the sepia-toned artwork adds an atmospheric quality that suits the historical subject matter well.
Overall, Separated from Santo is a thoughtful, poignant read that will resonate with anyone drawn to stories of family, identity, and survival during wartime.
December 19, 2025
Separated from Santo is a deeply moving graphic novel that illuminates a little known chapter of Canadian history with compassion and clarity. Through the story of Santo Pasqualini’s internment during World War II, Brian Barazzuol brings to life the human cost of prejudice, fear, and wartime paranoia.
The narrative captures both the courage and resilience of Santo and his family his wife Alice, who suffers under the weight of separation, and their children, forced into unfamiliar homes. Told in an accessible, dynamic graphic novel format, the book balances historical fact with personal storytelling, making it resonate for readers of all ages. This work is an essential read for those interested in history, human rights, and stories of perseverance in the face of injustice.
The narrative captures both the courage and resilience of Santo and his family his wife Alice, who suffers under the weight of separation, and their children, forced into unfamiliar homes. Told in an accessible, dynamic graphic novel format, the book balances historical fact with personal storytelling, making it resonate for readers of all ages. This work is an essential read for those interested in history, human rights, and stories of perseverance in the face of injustice.
June 15, 2026
Çok hızlı okunan, duygusu yüksek bir grafik roman.
2. Dünya Savaşı sırasında Kanada’da yaşayan İtalyanlar’ın Mussolini yüzünden düşman müttefik olarak gördükleri eziyet ve haksızlıkları da anlatan, gerçek bir hikaye olması insanı daha çok içine çekiyor. Göç, aileden kopma ve yeniden kavuşma temasını dramatize etmeden ama etkili şekilde anlatmış. Çizimleri de hikayenin duygusunu güzel taşıyor. Yer yer bazı bölümlerin biraz daha derin işlenmesini isterdim ama zaten kitabın gücü de sadeliğinde. Samimi ve duygusal. Biraz daha uzun olmasını isterdim. Genel olarak beğendim, kısa sürede biten ama etkisi kalan kitaplardan.
2. Dünya Savaşı sırasında Kanada’da yaşayan İtalyanlar’ın Mussolini yüzünden düşman müttefik olarak gördükleri eziyet ve haksızlıkları da anlatan, gerçek bir hikaye olması insanı daha çok içine çekiyor. Göç, aileden kopma ve yeniden kavuşma temasını dramatize etmeden ama etkili şekilde anlatmış. Çizimleri de hikayenin duygusunu güzel taşıyor. Yer yer bazı bölümlerin biraz daha derin işlenmesini isterdim ama zaten kitabın gücü de sadeliğinde. Samimi ve duygusal. Biraz daha uzun olmasını isterdim. Genel olarak beğendim, kısa sürede biten ama etkisi kalan kitaplardan.
November 2, 2025
Separated from Santo: an utterly heartbreaking story of unimaginable injustice, beautifully illustrated and eloquently written. Thank you Brian for sharing your great grandfather’s tragic tale and for truly exonerating him of any wrong doing. He would be incredibly proud of you. Thank you Cam for bringing this story to life with your illustrations.
August 20, 2025
Fascinating art style and a story that will make you appreciate our freedoms.
January 12, 2026
Tells the story of one man scooped up in the internment of Italian immigrants during WWII in Canada.
July 8, 2026
Separated from Santo by Brian Barazzuol with art by Cam Drysdale was interesting but ultimately disappointing graphic novel. I so wanted to love this because it's written by a local author and about a little known event in Canadian history. However, the writing is just not there. The art is the best thing about this graphic novel. I loved the idea of colouring everything in a sepia tone. It captures the fact that it's a historical tale, written from the recollections and interviews of people that were there or that had special knowledge of the time.
There are some typos which were irritating to find as they interrupt the flow of the story. I expected Separated from Santo to be similar to George Takei's graphic novel about the Japanese internment he experienced as a child with his family during the Second World War but the intended audience is obviously not the same. Going by the simplicity of the writing this was probably written for children. However, the subject matter and events might be confusing for kids.
I hate to say this but because Italian-Canadians were treated somewhat well in the camps, I felt this lacked strife and conflict. That's not to say what happened to Santo and his young family was ok or not detrimental to their lives but I did wonder what the point of the story was because of this lack of conflict.
I liked the idea of the poem with a few stanzas shared at the end of most chapters and then showing it all together at the end however the poem was disappointing as well. I think its simplicity and unimaginative rhyme structure is what I indicated to me that Separated from Santo was intended for middle school kids. Though, again, would they understand what internment was? Why Canada did what it did and their reasoning for it was? The significance of the apologies that came 50+ years later?
I would have liked this graphic novel to be longer and more detailed but I did appreciate all the fascinating primary source material in the back of the book. I liked reading some of Santo's surviving letters, photographs of the family, and other interesting ephemera from their ordeal.
There are some typos which were irritating to find as they interrupt the flow of the story. I expected Separated from Santo to be similar to George Takei's graphic novel about the Japanese internment he experienced as a child with his family during the Second World War but the intended audience is obviously not the same. Going by the simplicity of the writing this was probably written for children. However, the subject matter and events might be confusing for kids.
I hate to say this but because Italian-Canadians were treated somewhat well in the camps, I felt this lacked strife and conflict. That's not to say what happened to Santo and his young family was ok or not detrimental to their lives but I did wonder what the point of the story was because of this lack of conflict.
I liked the idea of the poem with a few stanzas shared at the end of most chapters and then showing it all together at the end however the poem was disappointing as well. I think its simplicity and unimaginative rhyme structure is what I indicated to me that Separated from Santo was intended for middle school kids. Though, again, would they understand what internment was? Why Canada did what it did and their reasoning for it was? The significance of the apologies that came 50+ years later?
I would have liked this graphic novel to be longer and more detailed but I did appreciate all the fascinating primary source material in the back of the book. I liked reading some of Santo's surviving letters, photographs of the family, and other interesting ephemera from their ordeal.
March 21, 2026
4.5/5
A juvenile graphic novel that tells about a part of Canadian history not many people may know about - the internment of about 600 Italians/Italian-Canadians during WWII. The story follows Italian-Canadian Santo - the great-grandfather of the author - and his family’s story. It’s just one family’s story but gives you a picture of what it would’ve been like for those who were picked up and sent away, as he was.
I thought it was fantastic in sharing their story - a quick read, but full of further details and even photographs and reproduced artifacts at the end, as well.
It might be a little over the heads of younger readers but definitely digestible for maybe grades 5 up (or younger, depending on the child. I probably would’ve read this in grade 4 and got the gist of it).
Overall, worth reading for sure.
A juvenile graphic novel that tells about a part of Canadian history not many people may know about - the internment of about 600 Italians/Italian-Canadians during WWII. The story follows Italian-Canadian Santo - the great-grandfather of the author - and his family’s story. It’s just one family’s story but gives you a picture of what it would’ve been like for those who were picked up and sent away, as he was.
I thought it was fantastic in sharing their story - a quick read, but full of further details and even photographs and reproduced artifacts at the end, as well.
It might be a little over the heads of younger readers but definitely digestible for maybe grades 5 up (or younger, depending on the child. I probably would’ve read this in grade 4 and got the gist of it).
Overall, worth reading for sure.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews