The Faint of Heart: A Graphic Novel

by Kerilynn Wilson (Author/Illustrator)

What would you do if you were the only person left with a heart? The only person left who felt anything at all? Would you give in to the pressure to conform? Or would you protect your heart at all costs? Part Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and part Severance, this debut teen graphic novel is a vivid and haunting read for fans of Nimona and This One Summer.

Not that long ago, the Scientist discovered that all sadness, anxiety, and anger disappeared when you removed your heart. And that's all it took. Soon enough, the hospital had lines out the door—even though the procedure numbed the good feelings, too.

Everyone did it. Everyone except high school student June. But now the pressure, loneliness, and heartache are mounting, and it’s becoming harder and harder to be the only one with a heart.

One day, June comes across an abandoned heart in a jar. The heart in the jar intrigues her, it baffles her, and it brings her hope. But the heart also brings her Max, a classmate with a secret of his own.

And it may rip June’s own heart in two.

Part speculative fiction and part cautionary tale, The Faint of Heart is a moving and ethereal debut that questions morality and the feelings that seem too big to contain. 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics, Dystopia, Fiction

293 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2023

About the author

Kerilynn Wilson is an author/illustrator with a love of the weird and wonderful. She lives in Portland, Oregon, but her mind tends to wander to made up places in her head filled with flying jellyfish and birds that eat the stars. She is currently working on her debut graphic novel THE FAINT OF HEART June 13th 2023.

When she is not working she enjoys making bagels and crafting paper insect sculptures.

Reviews

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maya finds herself alone and outcast in a world where a procedure has arrived to remove people’s hearts with the intent of erasing all the sadness and anger in the world and build a more productive society. The Faint of Heart, a gorgeous YA graphic novel from writer and artist Kerilynn Wilson, makes us confront the bleakness of a utilitarian world devoid of emotion where art, fun, friendship and love are no longer valued and considered foolish. While I have to confess that the story requires some major leaps of faith, it does function as a really powerful metaphor and the art is astonishingly beautiful. This is worth it for the art alone, I mean, take a look at Wilson’s work:


This is one you just sort of have to go with it and not question how removing the physical human heart works to begin with and why that would erase all feelings, but whatever, its cool. While the art gorgeously depicts this dystopian world I feel it would have benefited from a bit more world building (something I almost never say) even if only to let the story breathe a bit. This can be read in about 20 minutes and everything moves a bit too quickly after the initial set-up to really sink in, but it is altogether rather lovely. What we do know is this:

‘The Scientist discovered that all sadness, anxiety, and anger would disappear when the heart was removed and placed in a numbing solution.
It didn't numb only the bad feelings, though. It numbed the good ones too.’

And now the scientist has vanished, Maya is outcast and considered foolish for not removing her heart, her sister who is also her best friend and art partner has completely written her off, and there are rumors of a heart thief breaking into the storage facility. Is that why some people are beginning to act strange and seem a bit sad instead of blank?

I love the emphasis on artistic expression in this story and the message that even if art or any hobby you enjoy isn’t necessarily productive or profitable, the joy it gives you has an incredible value all to itself. In keeping with this message, the joy of Wilson’s art is certainly worth celebrating and I love the small use of colors that really pop in the muted, grey world of heartless folks. I also loved the quick friendship that springs up between Maya and Max and how they collaborate to try and find a way to make people feel again.

A quick read that perhaps didn’t necessarily work all too for me, The Faint of Heart is still a beautiful and empowering message told through equally beautiful art. So celebrate what makes you happy, take the good with the bad, celebrate your friends and what makes us each unique, and definitely give The Faint of Heart a read!

3.5/5

[Alex.andthebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

No cudowne 🥺

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know why this didn't work better for me, it just... didn't. It's a really cool concept (a world where people have their hearts removed so they can avoid the distraction and pain of human emotions), but everything felt pretty flat and boring despite the potential. The art was interesting and I liked the minimal uses of color to notate specific things like flashbacks and certain emotionally charged moments, and I'd definitely give this author another chance in the future. This is the sort of book that will probably work better for a lot of readers, so if you're into the idea, I would definitely give it a chance!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.

✨ Representation: BIPOC side characters

✨ Content warnings for: loneliness, terminal illness, grief, bullying

———
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[Bahar · Rating 5 out of 5]

مدت هاست که خیلی کتاب نخوندم و اگرم چیزی خوندم دیگه انگیزه ای برای ریویو نوشتن نداشتم ولی این کتاب که یه Graphic novel بود خیلی احساساتم رو برانگیخت و خیلی زیاد دوسش داشتم، پس می‌خوام چند خط در موردش بنویسم:)
اول اینکه کتاب در فضایی پادآرمانشهری میگذره که در آن مردم تصمیم گرفتن در طی یک عمل جراحی خیلی ساده:)))) قلبشون رو در بیارن و در یک ماده بی حس کننده بزارن تا از شر عواطف و احساساتشون راحت بشن! و بیشتر به کسب علم و دانش بپردازن و خیلی به صراحت میشه دید که در ابتدای کتاب علم در مقابل هنر قرار میگیره (در انتهای داستان البته اوضاع کاملا برعکس میشه).
فضای تیره ای که کتاب در تصاویرش به کار برده با تضادی که رنگ_هر جایی که اسمی از قلب برده میشه هست_ زیبایی کتاب رو چند برابر کرده.
در این میان تنها June یک دختر نوجوان که خیلی علاقه‌مند به نقاشی هست زیر بار جراحی خروج قلب نمیره و ما در ادامه چالش های دختر رو در این جامعه میبینیم، که البته من قصد ندارم داستان کتاب رو تعریف کنم پس همین جا بحث رو خاتمه میدم. شاید با خودتون بگید که از این سبک داستان ها که یک نفر از بقیه جامعه خودش جدا میشه؛ بعضاً به سبب دانایی بیشتر، خیلی، هم توی فیلم ها دیدیم و هم توی کتاب ها خوندیم که ممکنه به نوعی تکراری باشه اما با اینکه شاید سوژه خیلی جدیدی نبود نوع پردازش داستان به قدری جذاب بود که دلت نمیومد کتاب رو زمین بزاری.
چیزی که خیلی بیشتر درباره کتاب در من اثر گذاشت حس مشترکی بود که در کتاب با زندگی گذشته خودم یافتم، زمانی که دبستانی بودم روزها توی اون جو انگار زندگی کرده بودم و برام سیستم آموزشی ای که در آن تحصیل کرده بودم رو تداعی میکرد. یادمه وقتی کلاس پنجم دبستان بودم والدینم من رو توی یه دبستان غیر دولتی اسم نوشتن که بچه ها رو برای رفتن به مدرسه‌ تیزهوشان آماده می‌کرد و من وقتی وارد اون مدرسه شدم بچه ها تا تقریباً آخرهای کتاب های درسی رو کار کرده بودن، آنها بچه های ده دوازده ساله رو جوری بار میاوردن که انگار نقاشی و رنگ و داستان هیچ جایی توی زندگی نداشت و حتی سعی میکردن طرز فکرمونم مثل یه ماشین سرد و خشن بسازن و من که خودم بچه_ به قول معروف، خیال پردازی😂 بار اومده بودم و همش در حال قصه خواندن و بازی گوشی بودم و گاهی حتی شعر میگفتم دقیقا در برابر اون فضا قرار گرفتم و روزهای سختی برام رقم خورد که متاسفانه آثار سوء اش هنوز هم با منه:(((
دلم میخواست می‌تونستم تصویر صفحاتی از کتاب رو برای گواه این حرفم اینجا بزارم اما، علارغم اینکه چند بار از دوستان گودریدز پرسیدم موفق نشدم این کار رو انجام بدم پس فقط نقل میکنم که یه جا کاراکتر اصلی یعنی June، وقتی سرد بودن هم کلاسی هاش رو میبینه با خودش میگه We used to care about other stuff too وقتی زنگ هنر و بقیه کلاس‌های اینچنینی همه کنسل میشن و هم کلاسی های بی دلش:) در سیاهی تصاویر غرق شدن و تنها June است که با رنگ زرد بارانی ای که به تن داره و جز معدود المان های رنگی توی کتابه به چشم می‌خوره و بولد شده.
در نهایت بگم که خیلی خیلی کتاب رو دوست داشتم و شاید بخشی از این علاقه در ناخودآگاهم به دلیل این باشه که سوغات ولایت کاناداست از طرف دایی ام که بیشتر از ده ساله ندیدمش🥲

[Ksia_zkowe Oliwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piękne!🥺

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not for me. And it's not pitched toward me, I think, so that's okay. The dystopian story is very on the nose. I'm not sure the book's allegory makes complete sense. The art is much too twee for my tastes. BUT.. I can totally see how this would work for other (probably younger) people.

(Picked up a review copy through Edelweiss)

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if you lived in a world where everyone was unfeeling? Like, literally, no one can feel emotions.

I love the concept of this dystopian-like graphic novel. The way it portrayed the heart, emotions and our ability to feel e.g. "numbing our heart to emotions weakens it" is just genius, especially considering how we live in an era where sometimes it seems like the one who cares the least wins while the one who feels so deeply has the most to lose.

Books like this are also why I adore graphic novels. Not only is the artwork gorgeous, there's also excellent use of colour to tell a story. Despite the minimal text, the effect is a haunting, poignant and reflective one.

Unfortunately, the reveal lost me a little with plot holes and things that made no sense. So I went from 4 stars to 3.5 stars. Then came the epilogue, which was over-idealistic and wholly unnecessary. The story had already ended on what I felt was a perfect note and could have done without being wrapped in a neat little bow. So 3 stars it is.

A beautiful and enjoyable read nevertheless.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember that moment when you first read Lowis Lowry's The Giver? Or, as an adult reading YA fiction how you almost didn't want to give Louisiana's Way Home to a child because of how it broke your heart and moved your soul so deeply?

Think for a moment of those books that give you a Wizard of Oz moment, when Dorothy opens her dusty, sepia Kansas door into the world Oz. You are a few pages in, and already you have a whole new world in your mind. The really good ones use that new world to also reach in and speak of truths deep enough to affect your heart and keep you mulling for days.

I used to be someone who thought graphic novels were just for those who didn't have the maturity to read real books. I wouldn't give them to a child because I didn't want them to develop lazy reading habits that would draw them away from real reading. Then the daughter of a friend who had become a friend and book-club buddy showed me a world of graphic and even wordless novels that were something different. One book at a time, she made her case and changed my mind about this art form.

Today this friend's-daughter-friend put into my hands the book that is that whole-new-world maker for graphic novels. The thing of story-telling beauty and fascination that is worthy of becoming a classic of the genre. I had to read it straight through twice, just to begin to absorb the tendrils of its haunting magic delivered in the deceptively simple guise of a teen novel. Like any truly great teen novel, you almost don't want to give it to one, because they might not appreciate it enough, while simultaneously needing to buy one for every young person you know.

I really think if I tried to explain the wonder of the detailed artistry of this book and the dark and lovely storytelling, I would probably sound too gushy and turn you off reading it altogether. I would love to walk you through all my favorite moments, to tell of the shadow and light, color and darkness that make the book, to point out the sweeping flow of the art that sweeps you through the story itself. But, I will show at least a modicum of restraint.

June 13th.
That's your day.
In the same way you wait with bated breath for your child to first enter Narnia or meet Harry, I can't wait for you to open the pages of The Faint Of Heart.

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!
Loved the art in this YA graphic novel! The concept of having your heart removed so you don't feel is also fascinating. The message felt very pointed in parts but overall this was a great dystopia that reminded me a bit of Delirium by Lauren Oliver.

[Behin · Rating 5 out of 5]

خیلی قشنگ بود
اشکمو درآورد🥲

[Ruth Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely gorgeous book, from start to finish.

The drawings are exquisite, and detailed enough that you will notice more details on each re-read, but not so detailed that it looks cluttered.

The story is really impactful, in a way that I think many (and especially young adults) can relate to.

The story unfolds in a satisfying way. The pacing matching the drawings, and both gives you time to pour over all the drawings, but also keeps you turning the pages, desperate to know what happens next.

This is one of those rare books that will delight readers of all ages. The story is simple enough on the surface that children will understand it, and yet the underlying meaning is rich enough that adults will get something new out of it with each reread. And the gorgeous drawings will delight both young and old. Seriously, there's many panels that I would buy as artwork for my apartment.

Content warning: Swearing: some brief mentions of "Oh my god."

[Sanctifying Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this book only included 304pgs of unrelated drawings by the author, I would love it. Add to the illustrations the story-it's characters, plot, and dialogue; it's mystery, intrigue, and the rest-and one can only imagine the book's worth without reading it.

Those 18$ you were planning on saving need to buy this book for you instead.

Buy it. Read it. Love it.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have describe Wilson's graphic novel as dystopian with a smidge of gothic, but main character June is so genuinely sweet, and the storyline so hopeful, that it doesn't seem right here. So let me describe it like this: if you'd like to read a book with a body-modifications gone wrong plot, and a pro-love subplot, endearing characters, and a funky, slightly dark storyline -- oh! And fantastic drawings -- this is the book for you.
Loved it.

[Violet ♡]

There are times when someone doesn't want those turmoils of emotions to linger, but the heart's always there. Life's that, I guess. 🫀

[Emily Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotive tale with Coraline vibes.

This graphic novel follows a girl in a town, surrounded by people around her who have had a procedure to numb their hearts.

The artwork is beautiful and spooky, gloomy and haunting in quite a claustrophobic way (which feels intentional.) The novel forces you to feel small and minute, up against something much more daunting which worked amazingly.

Saying that- I just couldn’t get into this at any point. The story was very one note and filled to the brim with plot holes and paths that didn’t make sense.

On top of that there is so little written text throughout the graphic novel, maybe a bubble or two per page, which left a lot of gaps in things that could have been delved into further. I feel like maybe the story would have actually stood stronger with no text at all.

Saying that it is emotive. It did make me feel a range of emotions, but again so much of that was due to the art.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review.

Rep: BIPOC SC

TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.




Tw//CW// loneliness, medical settings, depression, terminal illness, bullying.

[Feefs ˚♡˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was the cutest thing ever! Not only was the artwork so freaking beautiful but the story itself was so charming and filled with quirky adventures that captivated me from the start. It was such a feel-good read for me that made my heart feel full by the time I was done.

[Larnacouer de SH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yok abi bu Young Adult kitaplar benim lanetim.

[Zac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an unusual story but I loved it. People can have an operation to have their hearts removed so that they don’t have to feel anything. Their hearts are stored in a numbing solution in jars but they still continue living their lives. June is one of few people who has kept their heart but she misses the connection that she feels with the people around her, especially her sister. When she finds a heart in a jar left in an alleyway, she sets out to try and find a way to replant it in her sister. However, a new friend complicates her quest as she now has two ‘heart-less’ people that she wants to save. This is definitely a unique story that works really well as a graphic novel. Suitable for mature readers 12+

[LMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Kerilynn has this magical way of making dark, creepy concepts somehow warm and inviting, playing on the edge of both sadness and joyfulness – the world viewed sideways, both whimsically and truthfully.

I love this book, and I love its author even more. It was a delight to get to witness (and sometimes proofread ;)) as she took this journey from a little comic about a heart in a jar, to the finished yellow-spined novel you can hold in your own two hands.

Don’t waste any time. Order a copy today. 10/10, eternal jarshine of the spotless heart. 😘

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you mend a broken heart in a world void of emotions? Turns out, it only takes one heart that is strong enough to help those no longer with heart. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel dives deep into how far would one go to remove the emotions of sadness and depression, only to learn that emotions are key to survival? A well written look at how important emotions are in our world, that with out them, it would be very dark and grey.

[Sena Nur Işık · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨10/10✨

Konusuna, kalpleri aldırma fikrine, karakterlere bayıldım!! Kesinlikle daha uzun olmalıydı. Sayfaları nasıl hızlı çevirdiğimi bilmiyorum. Çizimler harikaydı! Tavsiye ederim ✨

[Mad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art was so cool in this one!!!
Just ignore the plot though...

It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great.

But hey, cool visuals! :)

[Kariane (bookish.introvert_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so original and beautiful. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The art style was also great in its sparse but meaningful use of colour. Most of the images are in black and white, except for the main character's shirt, her post-its, and the art she creates.

June feels so alone as she is one of the only people who still has a heart. Most people have opted to get their heart removed because, as science has proven, doing so prevents them from feeling stress, anxiety, etc. This way, they can truly focus on exactly what they need to focus on. However, doing this also prevents them from feeling good emotions. Love and creativity are simply gone. There is so much involved in this little book and I am impressed.

Overall, this is a wonderful read that makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation.

[Brittany C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful, heartfelt story.

I think that this comic was beautifully written and the artistry was captivating. The message of getting rid of emotions entirely is a thought provoking lesson and shows that without experiencing negative emotions, you wouldn't be able to enjoy the happiness, art, and beauty in all things as well.

Emotions are part of being human, and numbing yourself from life isn't the answer. This story should definitely be read by teens and adults struggling through hardships, because it helps put things into perspective. I would love to read more from this author in the future.

[Azrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a proof copy from Harper360YA in exchange for an honest review**

CW: abandonment, body horror, medical content
--

This is honestly up there with the best graphic novels I have read!

Set in a dystopic world, scientific development has allowed society the choice to remove their hearts in order to stop feeling troubling emotions and we follow a young girl named June who is the only person left who has decided to keep her heart.
When rumours begin to circle that hearts are being stolen, the general consensus is one of indifference. But not with June. Stumbling across a stolen heart one day, makes her hope and question the potential of reimplanting hearts and bringing her loved ones back to her.

Not only is the story itself super absorbing and impactful but the art style and use of colour enriched the storytelling perfectly! Wilson’s drawings felt like they were ready to leap off the page. If this story was ever to be animated it would look so cool!!

June is a character that I immediately likened to. Her steadfastness brought a ray of light to the bleak circumstances and setting, and the elements of mystery and sleuthing in the plot were really fun. I also really loved how the story showcased the value of creative expression alongside human emotions as a whole.

The science involved in story swings more towards the speculative side of things but the ideas were so intriguing. Plus the message at the core of the book on the importance of our feelings and how they shape us and our relationships with others was just wonderful.
Final Rating – 5/5 Stars

[Reading Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

June lives in a society that has started removing their hearts and putting them in numbing solution. This procedure leaves the person unfeeling. June is an artist that loves her family and she isn't so sure about removing her heart. I loved this graphic novel. I found the story very moving and the art was beautiful. I really got a lot out of this graphic novel. I hate to go into too much detail because it is a graphic novel but I would definitely recommend!

[Chloe Bastien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah! This graphic novel is unlike any I've ever read! Although the dialogue is a bit flat at times, it's necessary to let the drawings and imagery come to life. Maybe it's because I haven't read a graphic novel in a while, but I struggled to read the dialogue bubbles in order👀. The story is really interesting and definitely original! Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a short, compelling storyline with beautiful art.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved the muted colors of this graphic novel. Some illustrations can be overstimulating, but these were simply gorgeous with hushed tones.

The story was beautiful, as well. If you don’t think a graphic novel can make you feel deeply, perhaps your heart is in a jar of numbing solution. You should read this book to figure out how to fix that. 😉

[J MaK · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.0) An unconventional read that depicts an emotionally repressed society where drastic measures have been taken to avoid navigating or experiencing any emotion. However, the main character goes against the status quo and offers an alternative that may change the world.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous, melancholic and gentle story exploring of emotions and their importance in our day to day lives.