The Silence Of Bonaventure Arrow (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
I really enjoyed this book, the connecting of past to present and future was imaginatively done. I loved bonaventure and loved to hate Adelaide roman (I especially enjoyed Adelaide's ending). I even, for the most part, appreciated the ways in which religion was broached. No two main characters had the same feelings regarding religion and, for the good characters, it did not matter. One thing kept me from giving this book 4 stars- the clear pro-life stance taken by the author. I was fine with the depiction of bonaventure in the womb, meant, it seemed, to distinguish him as special and different. But the chapter devoted to an actual abortion left me cold- it felt very judgmental. The book overall was so loving and accepting that the stance on abortion felt forced and uncomfortable. Bummer. What a beautifully written novel rich in myth, love, religion, voodoo/hoodoo, magic, mysticism and mystery. Bonaventure Arrow is a boy who is born unable to speak but he can hear beyond every thing we know and who has a heart of pure goodness. Unfortunately his father is murdered for reasons unknown by a vagabond shortly before his birth. However, he's able to hear his father on a ghostly realm. Trinidad Prefontaine, a creole servant who was raised by a mother who practiced voodoo/hoodoo, also has a gift which will bring her and Bonaventure together at a time predestined. Bonaventure's mother, her mother, and her mother-in-law all play a part in this story set near New Orleans in a small town, you will find yourself wanting and wishing you could see the world through the eyes of this small boy as he helps to heal so many in their struggles with life and to uncover mysteries that will set their mind and life on different courses. The descriptions are vividly done and you will find yourself wanting the story to continue long after it has ended.
What do You think about The Silence Of Bonaventure Arrow (2013)?
So vivid in her descriptions... Captivating, easy read!
—hilbatista
