Critical Acclaim
Kirkus:
Library Journal (starred review):
The prose is lyrically rhythmic and waltzes the reader through the various stories that circle closer and closer to each other until they ultimately merge, resolving the many mysterious and intriguing questions raised along the way.
Bookreporter:
Rita Leganski tells a lovely and magical tale about a mute boy and how the love that surrounds him --- both familial and spiritual --- transcends time and place.
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Deep South Magazine
Rita Leganski infuses just enough magical realism into her story to make it sparkle while also dealing with the real issues of tragedy, guilt and what it means to be different. Her book was long listed for the Flaherty-Dunnan Prize for first fiction, along with a new award called the Crook's Corner Book Prize for exceptional debut Southern novels, putting her in a category with authors Wiley Cash, Ahyana Mathis and Kevin Wilson.
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.
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Historical Novel Society:
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 in the wonderful love story between William and Dancy. Bonaventure is a believable little boy, not overly precocious but sensitive and loving. If you love New Orleans and vampires aren’t always your thing, read this book. It’s magical. (Pamela Ferrell)