“Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Novel Journey Through Three Generations of Women”

Tessa Hulls’ Journey to Uncover Her Family’s Story in Graphic Novel Form

When Tessa Hulls embarked on the ambitious task of writing a book about three generations of women in her family, she knew it would be no easy feat. The story spanned a century and multiple continents, from her grandmother Sun Yi’s journalistic career in Shanghai to her mother Rose’s elite boarding school experience in Hong Kong and eventual move to the United States.

Despite the challenges ahead, Hulls, a painter and adventurer with a knack for exploration, dove headfirst into the project in 2015. Armed with a checklist that included learning history, some Chinese, and how to draw comics, she set out to unravel the complex narratives of her family’s past.

Nearly a decade later, Hulls completed “Feeding Ghosts,” a graphic novel filled with compelling characters and haunting illustrations that not only shed light on her grandmother and mother’s lives but also revealed deep insights into her own identity and roots of wanderlust.

The creation of the book itself mirrored the journeys of her grandmother and mother, with Hulls traveling to China and Hong Kong to conduct research and interviews with family members. The writing and editing process took her to remote locations across the United States, reflecting her adventurous spirit and desire for solitude.

As Hulls delved deeper into her family’s history, she uncovered conflicting narratives and revelations that challenged her understanding of her mother and grandmother. The book became a platform for exploring the complexities of their relationships and the impact of historical events on their lives.

Despite moments of doubt and isolation during the writing process, Hulls persevered and completed the book, gaining clarity and a renewed sense of purpose along the way. Now, as she prepares for a book tour and future adventures, she reflects on the transformative journey of creating “Feeding Ghosts” and the lessons learned about herself and her creative process.

For Tessa Hulls, the graphic novel is not just a culmination of years of research and writing but a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring connections between generations.