In 2011, cartoonist Craig Thompson injured his drawing hand in China while riding a bamboo raft, which led to the creation of his latest graphic novel, 'Ginseng Roots.' This book serves as a spiritual sequel to his award-winning memoir, 'Blankets,' delving into his childhood experiences on ginseng farms in Wisconsin. Through interviews and explorations across America and Asia, Thompson uncovers the intricate web of labor and trade within the ginseng industry, highlighting how it connects lives and cultures. The work illustrates both the cultural significance of ginseng in the U.S. and its prominent role in international markets, particularly in China.
"Maybe there is no USA without ginseng" - A reflection on how interconnected the global ginseng trade is to American culture and economy.
"American ginseng, compared to its Asian counterpart, is a more cool, adaptogenic herb that you can use to nourish your general health."
Thompson's latest graphic novel examines the ginseng trade and its connections to his childhood, farmers, and the larger global economy.
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