The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Morning, all! Today I'm a stop on the TLC blog tour for Rita Leganski's debut, The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow.

I have to apologize for the short review here as my insomnia has been wreaking absolute havoc on my brain. Considering how much I enjoyed this book, though, perhaps less is more -- it'll lessen the chance that I'll give too much away and spoil it for you!

Bonaventure Arrow was born without a sound. But he was gifted with the ability to hear like no other. And he uses his gift to listen. He can hear the most subtle of sounds, those that elude everyone around him, including the sound of his father's voice - a man who was murdered before Bonaventure was born. That act and Bonaventure's gift are pieces in a puzzle that has been building for years. Soon, another person - this one gifted with Knowing - will come to help Bonaventure unravel the puzzle and help those around him finally heal. 

Oh, how I loved Rita Leganski's debut! It's a magical read and an emotional one at that. I loved the characters, I loved the premise, I loved everything about it really. But I especially loved how the author captured the essence of Louisiana. This book made me more than a little homesick!

In reading the book, I really don't see how it could have been set anywhere else. The fictional Bayou Cymbaline and historic New Orleans make the perfect backdrop for this kind of tale, supporting and lending an extra layer of belief (or suspension of disbelief). Leganski's portrayal of the time and place is so lush and real that even I -- a Louisiana girl, born and bred -- felt like I could reach out and share a beignet with Dancy and William on their honeymoon.

I have struggled with magical realism in the past. That suspension of disbelief being the biggest issue. Somehow when a book goes whole hog into the fantasy realm, I'm fine. When a story tries to balance between the magical and the everyday, however, it takes an author with real talent to draw me in. Leganski did that. It was reminiscent to what I enjoy so much in Sarah Addison Allen's work, truth be told, and I think fans of Allen's books will welcome Leganski to their reading collection with open arms. Reading this book was a true delight in every way!

To see what others on the tour thought, check out the official TLC tour page here. For a taste of Bonaventure Arrow check out the publisher's browse inside option. You can also like the author on Facebook.

Rating: 4/5