Rita Leganski’s novel, The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow, shows the reader a world where everything has sounds and a story. From the crayons, to grass growing, clothes, and sunshine. Even the secrets, the secrets that have been well-kept for years- they have a sound and a story. And are ready to tell their story to Bonaventure Arrow.
Bonaventure Arrow, the child of William and Dancy Arrow, has special powers. While he cannot speak- his hearing is above what anyone would think possible. He hears things that no one else can hear- that no one else would even think has sounds. Bonaventure Arrow has a special mission- and while he is learning more about his mission- the reader is involved in a story that is magical. With tales of voodoo, hoodoo, gris-gris bags, and the deeply mystical, yet magical New Orleans area- a reader wants to find out more about Bonaventure’s mission- yet enjoys the time spent in his world.
Bonaventure Arrow, loved by both his mom and dad, is both a victim and survivor of events set in motion long before his time- choices that were made, choices that were forced upon people. And some choices that were not made out of love or forced- but made out of wicked desires.
Traveling With T 