A Forest in the Desert is a graphic novel that tells the story of John the Short, a humble disciple turned monastic father. Saint John the Short is a 4th century Christian who, inspired by the great desert fathers Macarius and Antony, travelled to the desert of Scetis to become a monk. When the harsh teacher Amoi accepted him as a disciple, John learned humility, faith and obedience and grew from an unwitting novice to the father of many monks and a great saint of his generation. A Forest in the desert brings the world of early Christian fathers to life in expressive pen and ink. The fluid lines read close to ancient icons with the familiarity of a graphic novel. Christians seeking truth in desert wisdom will find a virtuous example in the ever-relevant life of Saint John the short. Creative Orthodox is a Canadian Egyptian writer and illustrator. He retells stories of ancient Christianity in modern mediums. Other works by the author include the graphic novel Anastasis: The Harrowing of Hades and numerous illustrations of church saints that can be found online. | A Forest in the Desert by Michael Elgamal, Paperback | Indigo Chapters