Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars: A Graphic Memoir

by Rick Louis, Lara Antal (Illustrator)

WINNER
Outstanding Work of Graphic Medicine (Long Form)
2023 Awards for Excellence in Graphic Medicine
Graphic Medicine International Collective

A graphic novel memoir recounting one parent’s unique and wrenching journey caring for a child with a terminal diagnosis.

When Rick and Emily’s infant son Ronan is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, an incurable neurological disorder, they are faced with the practical and emotional hurdles of parenting and loving their son—despite the shadow of inevitable loss. Rick Louis narrates this original graphic memoir, with illustrator Lara Antal translating the space that Ronan occupies before, during, and after his life, using flights of fancy and imagination to express the bizarre, heartbreaking, and sometimes even silly reality of human beings suddenly trapped in an impossible situation.

Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars is a story of warmth and of heartbreak—about finding joy in life, no matter how long or short that life might be.

FINALIST
Book of the Year
Best Adult Non-Fiction
2023 Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards
Pop Culture Classroom

NOMINEE
Best Presentation in Design
2023 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards
Ringo Awards

Genres: Graphic Novels, Memoir, Nonfiction, Comics, Grief, Biography Memoir, Parenting

160 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Rick Louis was born in New York City and raised by Star Trek. After college and a year on the road as a circus roustabout, he managed to get a couple of plays produced off-off-Broadway. Relocating to Los Angeles, he worked as a writer on movie scripts and sketch comedy. As a tattooed vegan on a bike, he was eventually required to move to Portland, Oregon, where he lives to this day, working as a freelance writer and editor.

Reviews

[Kim Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will break your heart, but it's an important story, well-told and with great humanity.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful memoir of Ronan who is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, an incurable genetic illness. This honest and heartfelt account is told in art and words. His father shows us that Ronan lived an extraordinary life. He went swimming, visited playgrounds, and was exposed to great literature and exquisite music and art.
This book will open your heart and change your vision of what life is and our part in life. You will remember Ronan and his parents for a while.

[Eilonwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rick Louis and his wife, Emily, have a baby boy, Rick is surprised by the delight he finds in fatherhood. But then baby Ronan is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, and his time with his parents becomes painfully temporary.

This is an utterly heartbreaking story. I checked it out of the library thinking, "This writer has managed to tell this incredibly painful story, and I will honor him and his baby by reading it." But then it sat on my to-read pile for a good month while I read around it.

And yet, once I picked it up and starting reading, I couldn't close it. It's gripping, and has just enough wry humor in it to make it bittersweet rather than just bitter. The artwork is perfect, too.

When I finished the book, I truly missed this little boy, and mourned his short, intense life. "Ung-ee," Ronan, "ung-ee."

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The father of a terminally ill infant offers a devastating look at the unthinkable.

It's the sort of book my wife looks at aghast and asks, "Why would you read that?" If she had been raised Catholic like me, I imagine she would also toss in a sign of the cross. And, yeah, it's brutal, but it's also a powerful means to ignite compassion and introspection.

Ronan's mother seems a very strong and interesting woman, and I had lingering thoughts about her side of the story as I read Louis' account. It turns out I do not need to wonder as she is memoirist who has published under the names Emily Rapp and Emily Rapp Black. Her books The Still Point of the Turning World and Sanctuary: A Memoir cover Ronan's life and its aftermath. I'm not sure I'll read them, but my library has both, and I'm going to check out the first and flip through it.

[Jan Agaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was depressing af but had good humor in it to balance out the mood, and i love stories like that.

[Kari Yergin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*.
Heartbreaking. But so, so beautiful.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written memoir of child loss is gut-wrenching, yet also affirming. The author, Rick Louis, shares the loss of his toddler son to the debilitating and always fatal Tay-Sachs disease.

He and his wife Emily were thrilled at Ronan’s birth, but within a few months, they started to notice that Ronan was not hitting developmental milestones. But it wasn’t until an eye exam, that the truth was revealed, and they discovered there is no cure, with children typically not living beyond their third year. Despite therapy, Roan’s health declined, and sadly, so did Rick and Emily’s marriage. Unfortunately, grief destroys many marriages that undergo the loss of a child, thus this was a double loss to the little family. Ronan’s death is depicted tenderly, and I ached for the parents. Despite being a mother, I actually connected much more with Rick than Emily, although he does his best to be fair to his ex-wife and what she went through.

Artist Lara Antal illustrated the bittersweet narrative in black and white with shades of blue. These colors conveyed the somber mood and gave an accurate depiction of the family. The pictures flowed into one another, using few panels. The illustrations varied from factual to whimsical and spanned the entire gamut of emotions. The art matched the tone of the book, and you can tell great care was taken to share Rick’s story with respect.

After I read the story, I looked up some of the resources listed and found out that Emily has remarried and has another child. I’m unsure if Rick has remarried or had other children, but a quote of his, “Being Ronan’s father was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Sometimes I think taking care of him was the only truly important thing I ever did in my life. If it meant that I could see him just one more time, I would do it all over again. Even knowing I had to lose him”, touched my heart. I admire his honesty in sharing his memories of his sweet Ronan with the world and I hope it was cathartic for him.

This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2023/01/2...

[Katie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply moving. I did start crying a bit at work when I was reading it (for work related purposes.) As long as you can handle the subject matter, I would definitely recommend this book. I feel like it was both personal and insightful in a way I really enjoyed.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. You won't get through THIS without crying. Well told and beautifully drawn, with incredible expressive art. A lot is glossed over for the sake of maintaining the emotional line, and that's probably a good thing; the impact says it all.

[Lauren Cyrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet and heart wrenching, a beautiful way to honor his son’s life. I read it in one sitting.

[Hannah Bae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary graphic memoir. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of Rick Louis and Lara Antal’s graphic memoir, and I just couldn’t help myself from diving in immediately. I could not put this book down. It read it in one sitting and cried so much because it’s so moving. “Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars” is so beautiful, honest, meaningful, heartbreaking and real. Lara Antal’s art is INCREDIBLE, pairing perfectly with Rick Louis’s words. The art lifts this story to gorgeous heights and captures loss on so many levels with great truth. This is a magnificent book, truly. What a story, what a work of art!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read this unless you want to cry.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a heartbreaking graphic memoir by a father telling how he grappled with his infant son's terminal diagnosis.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course this was incredibly sad. But the imaginative storytelling and the art just combine to make an exquisite testament to a man's connection to his son. Beautifully done. Do have tissues at hand.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just devastating but an important embrace of life and living it to the fullest no matter its length. Compassionate & beautifully done. God bless you, Ronan, wherever you are! 🚀❤️

[McKenzy Hupke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves nothing but 5+++ stars, but DO NOT read this unless you’re asking for a DEEP cry. Heartbreaking that this is a memoir but i’m so happy we get to learn about Ronan 💖😩

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this crushed my heart in a thousand tiny pieces.

[Morgan Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depressing.

[Brittney Bardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me 26 minutes to read this book but by the end I was completely in tears. This is something special

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein Denkmal für ein viel zu früh an einer seltenen Krankheit verstorbenes Kind.

[Corky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a tough one 🙃 I have not lived this experience and I have so much respect for the author in creating something from his pain.

And yet... The book felt more like the story of a marriage/relationship than of the child's life.

Did I cry? Absolutely.

Did I rush through the pages discussing their marriage and therapy and him moving out? Yes. It seemed like a situation where maybe it would have been worth cohabitation.

Would love to know the mother's perspective.

[Anna Carvlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Louis wrote a magical, heart-wrenching, honest, and sometimes humorous story about parental love and loss and Lara Antal's illustrations are spot-on. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. 🙌🍂

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bittersweet memoir that is always worth a re-read.

[CallmeJames · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 "𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬: 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫", 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥

👩🏻‍👶🏻‍👦🏻 🍼👼🏻 In Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars, Rick Louis and Lara Antal weave a deeply resonant narrative that encapsulates the highs and lows of parenthood through the lens of their son, Ronan. This graphic memoir combines stunning illustrations with an emotionally charged story that draws readers into the world of a family grappling with the realities of raising a child with unique needs.

👩🏻‍👶🏻‍👦🏻 🍼👼🏻 From the outset, we are introduced to Ronan’s parents, whose initial excitement and dreams for their child are infectious. Their hopes are painted vividly against the backdrop of a bright future, filled with milestones, laughter, and love. The illustrations reflect their joy, capturing the early moments of parenthood when everything feels possible and the journey ahead seems like a beautiful adventure.

👩🏻‍👶🏻‍👦🏻 🍼👼🏻 As the narrative progresses, however, the tone shifts, revealing the complexities of their reality. The parents face a whirlwind of challenges, confronting the stark differences between their expectations and the unpredictable nature of their son’s needs. Each panel brings forth their determination to provide Ronan with the best life possible, showcasing their unwavering commitment. They explore therapies, seek support, and strive to create an environment where he can thrive. Yet, amidst their efforts, there is a pervasive sense of helplessness that hangs in the air—a recognition that despite their love and hard work, some aspects of Ronan’s journey are simply beyond their control.

👩🏻‍👶🏻‍👦🏻 🍼👼🏻 The emotional depth of this memoir lies in its ability to capture the essence of parental love intertwined with the burden of uncertainty. Readers can feel the weight of the parents’ hopes, which, while bright, are often shadowed by fear and sadness. The tension between aspiration and reality creates a poignant narrative arc, pulling us deeper into their story. There are moments of joy and triumph, but they are often punctuated by the harsh reminders of the limitations they face. This duality is illustrated beautifully, with vivid imagery that captures both the warmth of family moments and the stark challenges of navigating a complex journey.

👩🏻‍👶🏻‍👦🏻 🍼👼🏻 As we accompany Ronan's parents through their trials, the memoir evokes a profound sense of empathy. Their story serves as a mirror reflecting the struggles of many families, highlighting the universal themes of love, resilience, and the unpredictability of life. The artwork complements the narrative perfectly, with each illustration deepening the emotional resonance. Moments of laughter are captured in vibrant colors, while scenes of struggle are rendered in more muted tones, allowing the reader to viscerally feel the spectrum of emotions.

👩🏻‍👶🏻‍👦🏻 🍼👼🏻 In the end, the memoir leaves us with a bittersweet aftertaste. The story is a reminder of the fragility of dreams and the inevitability of heartache in the face of love. It evokes a deep sadness as we recognize the parents’ profound dedication and the harsh reality they face—a reality that, despite their best efforts, often eludes them. This memoir resonates long after the final page is turned, compelling us to reflect on our own lives and the beauty found in the midst of struggle.

[Dan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this comic broke me. I say that not to senstial or be hyperbolic. I am simply being honest. In Ronan and he Endless Sea of Stars Rick Louis recounts his time being a parent. It started off as most do but quickly Rick and his partner Emily realize something was amiss is their son Ronan keeps missing developmental milestones. After some testing it is discovered he has Tay-Sachs a rare disorder that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord it is fatal and there is no cure.

Rick and Emily will have to watch the thing they love the most slowly deteriorate in front of them and as I reader i struggled to turn the page knowing the evitable to lay ahead, I could not imagine what living through this would actually be like.

So some may ask why relive such a painful memory and as Rick indicates it is simply to tell the story of his son and what he meant to him. Despite those modest goals it accomplishes so much more. By approaching the story in such an honest manner not shying away from the failures to cope, the major ups and downs it captures how grief can dominate or psyche.

Lara Antal had to job to bring life to the words of Rick with her art and it is evident she did not take that responsibility lightly. There is care and kindness in her artwork to represent what this family was facing. The heavy reliance on blues brings you in with a warm embrace but when tragedy strikes that blue resides to emphasize the emotion of the moment.

As a parent, it is hard not to be selfish reading this book and use it as a way to appreciate so much that is taken for granted. It is a remarkable work that will forever stay with me.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir of Louis's son, Ronan, and his short life is devastatingly sad. Ronan was diagnosed with Tay-Sacs disease at 9 months old. TS is a neurological disease that is always fatal and usually by age 3. It results in blindness, seizures, lack of motor control, and inability to eat or drink in the later months. Ronan never progressed past approximately his abilities as a 6 month old baby.

Even with the challenges of dealing with a disabled and dying son, Louis took joy in being with Ronan and giving him as good a life as possible. He took him swimming with other disabled children and for long walks around a park. He considers his time as a father the best thing that ever happened to him despite the breakup of his marriage and the emotional toll Ronan's disease and care took. This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about Ronan, and all Louis wants to show is who Ronan was and how grateful he is to have had him. It was hard to read and in the end it made me cry, but it was worth the tears.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A graphic medical memoir detailing a father's journey in caring for a terminally ill infant. When Rick and Emily's son is born, they have the typical high hopes for their child that all parents have. But before his first birthday, their son Ronan is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a genetic and always fatal condition. This book describes the practical and emotional challenges of raising a toddler while living with the specter of death and loss.

This is a great book for parents who have lost a child, obviously, or who may be facing the death of a child. It is good for addressing grief. It is in a graphic format, which means that it is in a comic book format. The wife of this couple also wrote a book about her experiences, which is titled, The Still Point of the Turning World by Emily Rapp. Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars would be a great book for parents who have a child on hospice care. This book is very emotional and made me cry in a few places. I am giving it 5 stars.

[S.Matt Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it in a sitting. What a tragic, beautiful story.


The author and his wife have a child who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. This book is about the baby's short life, the author's deteriorating relationship with his wife, and moving through the grief by remembering and celebrating their child.

I appreciate that the author shared this story. It's a slow train wreck. Just horrible. The author is brave enough to give the reader a view from the inside of what would normally be an extremely private affair.


It's not without its faults as a narrative, but also who am I to judge another person's experience? I left off a star because some parts didn't work for me, but let there be no doubt that this is an extremely intimate story and that the author ripped himself open long enough to share it.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another example of a graphic novel to recommend to people who think they don't like graphic novels. In a sparse, straightforward pages, the artist remembers his infant son's diagnosis and eventual loss to Tay-Sachs disease. As one could imagine, it is a devastating and powerful work.

As an aside about the story itself, was anyone else horrified that the wife wanted another baby after Ronan was diagnosed with the fatal genetic condition? Maybe I'm missing something, but doesn't that mean another biological child would be more likely to suffer the same fate? Why would you want to do that to yourself, and more importantly, why would you knowingly want to put your child at risk? Geez!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this because I've only read one graphic novel before and it was highly recommended. It is a father's true story of losing his baby boy to TaySachs disease. It is a sad story. He and his wife split up. There is no hope for the boy once the diagnosis is made. The parents know that their baby will die before age three. But when his wife asks him if he wishes that they had never had baby Ronan, the father says that, "Being Ronan's Father was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Sometimes I think taking care of him was the only truly important thing I ever did in my life. If it meant that I could see him just one more time, I would do it all again. Even knowing I had to lose him." This book is aptly called "A Graphic Memoir."