Echoes Across the Water

In the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War, two girls, one in Mao’s China and one in Kuomintang-ruled Taiwan, find their lives intertwined.

It’s 1958 in Mao’s China and eleven-year-old Shan is an outcast, facing constant persecution because her parents fought against the communist troops during the revolution and then fled. With no access to education and few prospects for the future, she wonders if she and her grandparents will forever be marked as traitors.

Nine-year-old Lihui has lived in Taiwan all her life, but she knows it’s not home. The adults in her life constantly remind her that they’re only staying until the Nationalist armies can take China back from the communists. But those lofty plans seem distant compared to the day-to-day of school, homework, and her parents’ financial struggles. When Lihui has visions transporting her to Shan’s world, the girls find their lives inexplicably intertwined opening up a doorway and a lifeline neither expected to find.

Spanning the Taiwan Strait and one broken family, this deeply researched, emotionally resonant novel offers a rare glimpse into the long aftershocks of war. Told in alternating voices and laced with magical realism, it is a story about sisterhood, memory, and the small everyday rebellions that can change everything.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs