StoryComic Review Praises ‘The Pacifist’

In an April review, StoryComic host Barney Smith called The Pacifist “gripping” and “a tense look at truth and conviction.” Congratulations to author Lyn Bixby!

Here’s the full review:

The Pacifist by Lyn Bixby is a gripping, grounded novel that pulls you into the turbulence of 1968—a time when the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement were colliding in deeply personal ways.

The story follows Lisa Thompson, a young woman living a quieter, back-to-the-land life in Vermont, whose world is turned upside down when her brother Chris, an anti-war activist, is drafted and later dies under suspicious circumstances. What follows is part mystery, part historical drama, as Lisa heads to Boston determined to uncover what really happened. Her journey brings her into conflict with powerful institutions, and the deeper she digs, the more complicated—and dangerous—the truth becomes.

What makes this book stand out is how personal it feels. The stakes aren’t abstract—they’re rooted in family, loss, and conviction. The backdrop of the Vietnam era adds weight, but the real strength of the story is in Lisa’s determination and the emotional core that drives her forward.

Having had the chance to interview Lyn Bixby on my podcast recently, I came away with an even deeper appreciation for the care and thought behind this story. That conversation added another layer to the reading experience, especially in how the book handles themes of justice, protest, and the cost of standing by your beliefs.

The Pacifist is a thoughtful and engaging read—part suspense, part reflection—and a compelling look at a moment in history where personal choices carried enormous consequences.