I want to welcome Mark Mustian to Books R Us. Mark is the author of the novel "Boy with Wings". Thanks for sopping by and please check out all of the stops on the tour for some interviews, guest posts and reviews.
Book Details:
Book Title: BOY WITH WINGS by Mark Mustian
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 324 pages
Genre: historical fiction/magical realism/literary fiction
Publisher: Koehler Books
Release date: March 2025
Content Rating: PG-13: There is adult content, use of the f word and (in limited context) the n word.jpg)
Book Details:
Book Title: BOY WITH WINGS by Mark Mustian
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 324 pages
Genre: historical fiction/magical realism/literary fiction
Publisher: Koehler Books
Release date: March 2025
Content Rating: PG-13: There is adult content, use of the f word and (in limited context) the n word
“Boy With Wings is a brilliant fever dream of a novel, a haunting coming of age story reminiscent of both Franz Kafka and Charles Dickens. Depression-era America and the carnival life is rendered vividly, but so is the beauty and courage of, yes, a boy with wings." — Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times Best-selling Author of The Jackal’s Mistress
Book Description:
What does it mean to be different? When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s South, the locals think he’s a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny’s years long struggle to find a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts, struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder, or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life? Accompanying Johnny’s journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several murders, Boy with Wings is a story of the sacrifices and freedom inherent in making one’s own special way—and of love and the miracles that give our lives meaning.
What does it mean to be different? When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s South, the locals think he’s a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny’s years long struggle to find a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts, struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder, or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life? Accompanying Johnny’s journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several murders, Boy with Wings is a story of the sacrifices and freedom inherent in making one’s own special way—and of love and the miracles that give our lives meaning.
MY THOUGHTS:
The “Boy With Wings” tells the story of self-discovery and hardship, focusing on how a disability affects the main character’s life and relationships. Johnny Cruel, the main character, was born with wings, which led to a life of pain, frustration, and constant moving around. People called him a freak, and some visitors at the traveling carnival where he worked were scared of him.
I liked the story-line, but I sometimes got confused because some scenes felt out of order, and there were gaps in the timeline. The characters were interesting, especially Johnny, who had to deal with people making fun of his wings. All of the characters were well developed and interacted well together. I would rate the novel 4 out of 5 stars.
Meet the Author:
Mark Mustian is the author of the novel The Gendarme, an international bestseller shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing and published in ten languages, and the new novel Boy With Wings, winner of the 2025 Grand Prize for Fiction from Next Generation Indie Book Awards. He's the founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Florida and Michigan.
connect with the author: website ~ substack ~ facebook ~ bluesky ~ goodreads
Mark Mustian is the author of the novel The Gendarme, an international bestseller shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing and published in ten languages, and the new novel Boy With Wings, winner of the 2025 Grand Prize for Fiction from Next Generation Indie Book Awards. He's the founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Florida and Michigan.
connect with the author: website ~ substack ~ facebook ~ bluesky ~ goodreads
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