“Lyrical.” - Publishers Weekly
“An imaginative and touching story of the surprising ways that we heal. Rita Leganski has created a gem in Bonaventure, a young boy who cannot speak but whose silence rings with truth and humanity. If I could hear a fraction of what he does, my heart would explode with joy.” - Todd Johnson, author of The Sweet By and By
“This mystical fairy tale set in a 1950s-era Louisiana rife with religion, superstition, and tradition draws you in from the wondrous first page. Silence has never been so boundlessly eloquent.” - Booklist
“I’m very grateful for opening to this book’s first page. Everything else I had to do fell away as I was transported by this special little boy and his remarkable gift. I happily ignored my real life commitments for the magical, mysterious world of this novel about secrets, forgiveness, and healing of all kinds and my ‘real life’ has been better for it ever since.” - Katrina Kittle, author of The Kindness of Strangers and The Blessings of the Animals
“This debut novel is a tour de force. It’s a beautifully, lyrically written fantasy and it captures the languorous mystery and allure of New Orleans . . . Magical.” - Historical Novels Society
“I happily ignored my real life commitments for the magical, mysterious world of this novel about secrets, forgiveness, and healing of all kinds and my ‘real life’ has been better for it ever since.” - Katrina Kittle, author of The Kindness of Strangers and The Blessings of the Animals
“Suffused with the mystical charm of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou, Leganski’s lyrical debut novel conjures dreams of voodoo, the power of healing, and the distinction between hearing and listening. This extraordinary, evocative novel will cast a spell over fans of magical realism in the vein of Alice Hoffman, Kaye Gibbons, and Sarah Addison Allen. Simply enchanting.” - Library Journal (starred review)
“Suffused with the mystical charm of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou, Leganski’s lyrical debut novel conjures dreams of voodoo, the power of healing, and the distinction between hearing and listening. This extraordinary, evocative novel will cast a spell over fans of magical realism.” - Library Journal (starred review)
“The story keeps you enthralled as each new page seems to offer up new questions that beg answers. Leganski’s meticulous attention to the details of the plot provides answers in a revealing and entertaining fashion.” - Trevor Smith, The Winnipeg Free Press
“Rita Leganski has crafted a dreamlike 1950s Louisiana. In the middle of that world stands our mute, but not voiceless hero, Bonaventure Arrow. So endearing, so wise. His love for his family will lift and inspire you.” - Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of Wench
“Magically evocative. . . . The prose is lyrically rhythmic. . . . A fine novel about love, loss, revenge and forgiveness.” - Kirkus Reviews
“The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow is a novel that brims with love and magic. It’s a timeless and lyrical story about the difference between hearing and listening, forgiving and redeeming. Bonaventure Arrow, an imaginative and special young boy, will claim your heart from the very first moment you meet him.” - Rebecca Rasmussen, author of The Bird Sisters
“Brims with love and magic. It’s a timeless and lyrical story about the difference between hearing and listening, forgiving and redeeming. Bonaventure Arrow, an imaginative and special young boy, will claim your heart from the very first moment you meet him.” - Rebecca Rasmussen, author of The Bird Sisters