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Boy With Wings
What does it mean to be different? From Mark Mustian, founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music and award-winning author of the international bestseller “The Gendarme,” comes the new Southern gothic novel, “Boy With Wings” (March 15, 2025, Koehler Books).
About the book: Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back, frightening his neighbors and leaving him struggling to find a home. Johnny ends up in a “freak show” traveling the 1930s South, where he bares his back to onlookers who come to gape and fawn. Is he a horror or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life?
As Johnny comes to grips with his uniqueness, he embarks on a journey of love and finds the miracles that give our lives meaning. Mustian’s thrilling and emotional story of self-discovery is perfect for book clubs and fans of historical fiction.
About the book: Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back, frightening his neighbors and leaving him struggling to find a home. Johnny ends up in a “freak show” traveling the 1930s South, where he bares his back to onlookers who come to gape and fawn. Is he a horror or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life?
As Johnny comes to grips with his uniqueness, he embarks on a journey of love and finds the miracles that give our lives meaning. Mustian’s thrilling and emotional story of self-discovery is perfect for book clubs and fans of historical fiction.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2025
39 people are currently reading
4411 people want to read
About the author
Mark Mustian
5 books94 followersMark Mustian is the author of the novel The Gendarme, which was shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing, a finalist for the Dayton International Literary Peace Prize, and won the Florida Gold Book Award for General Fiction. It has now been published in ten languages. His new novel, Boy With Wings, won the Grand Prize for Fiction from Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the Bronze Prize for Historical Fiction from Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), among a number of other honors. He is the founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and divides his time between Michigan and Florida with his wife and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 3, 2025
A very intriguing book about not only being different, but also about survival. It has an important reminder to practice more kindness and less judgment of those that are not exactly like you or have different views. A great quote from the book that supports its energy is: “I am what God made me. What a boring life otherwise it might be.” 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
January 17, 2025
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.
January 6, 2025
The story follows the uneasy life of Jonny Cruel during the troubled times of the South leading up to the Great Depression and start of WWII. Johnny was born out of wedlock with strange appendages on his back that continue to grow and develop into wings. Throughout his young life he is tormented and treated as an outcast but temporary finds refuge with a traveling oddities show. Throughout this story Johnny makes friends, finds love, suffers loss, desires revenge, questions his existence, purpose, and ultimately just longs for acceptance. The author does a fantastic job portraying the harsh conditions of racism, the magical elements of a traveling oddities show, the turbulent times of the Depression, and an ending that will not be forgotten. It is a story we all can relate to as we grow, become comfortable with ourselves, and find meaning to our lives. The book will be released March 17, 2025 in US.
March 25, 2025
This was such an incredible story of a boy who’s a little different finding others who are a little different, and searching for a sense of belonging in a world that seldom provides that.
Thank you to Netgalley, Mustian, and Koehler Books for a free ARC of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Mustian, and Koehler Books for a free ARC of this book.
June 3, 2025
This was a beautifully written coming of age story. Johnny has a difficult and traumatic childhood, with brief periods of happiness being snatched away from him. He is feared, vilified, exploited and abused and yet he keeps going no matter what life throws at him.
There are some really sad and tragic moments in the book but also moments of love and friendship. I thought the story was plotted perfectly and it was interesting to see how Johnny navigated and overcame each challenge. We also meet lots of other interesting characters although not all have good intentions.
I like the evocative writing style and descriptions which brought the story to life. The book is about acceptance of yourself and learning to live yourself despite the flaws and outside negativity. It is about accepting difference and having empathy, compassion and understanding for others. It is about overcoming adversity and cruelty and becoming something more, something better. A truly wonderful message.
With thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
There are some really sad and tragic moments in the book but also moments of love and friendship. I thought the story was plotted perfectly and it was interesting to see how Johnny navigated and overcame each challenge. We also meet lots of other interesting characters although not all have good intentions.
I like the evocative writing style and descriptions which brought the story to life. The book is about acceptance of yourself and learning to live yourself despite the flaws and outside negativity. It is about accepting difference and having empathy, compassion and understanding for others. It is about overcoming adversity and cruelty and becoming something more, something better. A truly wonderful message.
With thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
March 3, 2025
I received this book through an ARC giveaway. I wanted to love it and give it five stars and it came close. Starting out, I felt that it was deserving. The character development is excellent by the author. He leaves you understanding how they feel about the world around them and how their individual past have shaped their present. The main character, Johnny Cruel is well written and feels much less like a 'freak' and more like a relatable child coming to age during the book.
The last star was taken because of plot development. Around the third of the way through, it lacked a bit of luster and became slow and wordy. The beginning and end were more eventful but there were times near the middle that I felt were dense and might not be the additional information the reader needs. It was written with a historical fiction feel with emotional references to racial segregation, old carnival freak shows, and past trauma. I am glad that I saw it through, was able to finish this book, and was lucky enough to be able to read it before its full release. It is excellent and worth the read!
The last star was taken because of plot development. Around the third of the way through, it lacked a bit of luster and became slow and wordy. The beginning and end were more eventful but there were times near the middle that I felt were dense and might not be the additional information the reader needs. It was written with a historical fiction feel with emotional references to racial segregation, old carnival freak shows, and past trauma. I am glad that I saw it through, was able to finish this book, and was lucky enough to be able to read it before its full release. It is excellent and worth the read!
Read
March 19, 2025DNF
Try as I might this one I just couldn’t get into for some reason. So didn’t think it was fair for me to give it an actual rating.
Try as I might this one I just couldn’t get into for some reason. So didn’t think it was fair for me to give it an actual rating.
January 6, 2025
This book started out so well!!! Throughout the first half of the book, I thought it was going to be a 5 star read. Unfortunately, somewhere in the middle, things began to fall apart. Things jumped around a bit, leaving the reader to infer what happened in the spaces. As we got into the ending, our main character does an about face with who he is, and what he wants.
Johnny Cruel was born with a deformity and declared an abomination by the town. His mother does what she feels she needs to do to protect him, but when things get too much, she tries to escape with him and dies. He is then bought and sold like property until he ends up in a freak show, where his deformity is not a detriment but a selling point. This changes the trajectory of his life whether for good or bad.
I wanted to like this, and the descriptions in the beginning and how Mustian paints the characters was fantastic. I don't know what happened as the book progressed, it became scattered and hard to follow, with an abrupt improbable ending, that tried to bring the story full circle but it ended up falling flat.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this upcoming release!
Johnny Cruel was born with a deformity and declared an abomination by the town. His mother does what she feels she needs to do to protect him, but when things get too much, she tries to escape with him and dies. He is then bought and sold like property until he ends up in a freak show, where his deformity is not a detriment but a selling point. This changes the trajectory of his life whether for good or bad.
I wanted to like this, and the descriptions in the beginning and how Mustian paints the characters was fantastic. I don't know what happened as the book progressed, it became scattered and hard to follow, with an abrupt improbable ending, that tried to bring the story full circle but it ended up falling flat.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this upcoming release!
Read
March 30, 2025Boy With Wings by Mark Mustian, this book is about the 30s during the depression a boy named Johnny rotten who has wings he joins an oddity show and makes friends but things happen in the crew disperses while life goes on. throughout the book we learn about the trials and tribulations in his life being different trying to come to terms with that and even a potential romance. This is usually the kind of book I eat up for breakfast but unfortunately I found myself daydreaming when I should’ve been paying attention to the words on the page. I can honestly say this isn’t the worst book I’ve ever read not even close it it actually hits some pretty good parts that we’re not only suspenseful but sections that made me sad and others that made me hopeful but then there were also those parts that made me daydreaming that is why I say read this at your own risk. Some people love this book I myself did not. #NetGalley, #KohlerBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MarkMustian, #BoyWithWings,
March 18, 2025
Despite all the glowing reviews I have to say this was just a bit meh for me. The story felt muddled and messy at times. Too much going on and then not enough going on. The ending was not satisfying.
July 8, 2025
This was an emotional read for me and I enjoyed the growth aspect of Johnny who was born with a strange disability that repulsed others. I liked the way he grew into acceptance of himself. It was sweet and the characters really cared about each other. 3 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Koehler Books for a chance to read an ARC version of this book.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Koehler Books for a chance to read an ARC version of this book.
Read
December 22, 2025Honestly -- this felt to me like someone's first book, that they'd later be embarrassed got published before they improved as a writer. I'm genuinely surprised by the awards and the blurbs; it's so clumsy and childish, I don't understand that at all.
April 13, 2025
3.5 stars
“Boy With Wings” is an historical fiction story of a boy born with a congenital malformity in the 1930’s. As the title implies, the malformity is along his back and looks like rubbery wings. This happens in Florida, in a poor area where the religious zealots use religion as a weapon.
This poor boy, Johnny, is born to an unwed mother who was tricked by a smooth-talking man. She got herself pregnant, and despite him forcing her to drink poison, she delivered a baby boy. He had a strange “mark” on his back which grew and began strange looking…the look of a devil child. She buries him alive, but he lived. Eventually, she gets him out of her shack, where a one-armed man is trying to find the boy and kill him.
Mustian does a great job with adding suspense and stress! Johnny escapes the shack, but luckily ends up with itinerate black workers who eventually accept him. But this is the Jim Crow South in the 1930’s, and the white folk hear of a white boy staying in a black camp. The treatment of the black community is depicted honestly and brutally. Sometimes this is not a read for the feint of heart. I needed to stop reading a few times, that’s how good his writing is.
Hence the journey continues for Johnny. Because he looks different, he’s sold like a slave. Abused along the way by white men, he is eventually sold to a midget, Tot, who runs a traveling freak show. He finds some solace in the protection of the freaks. Mustian’s writing brings the reader to that time period. Circuses and carnival/freak shows were abundant at that time. At each stop, they pitched their tents and performed. Mustian added a Minstrel show, and a gambling shanty to the authentic mix. The ugly underbelly of humanity is exposed, as this is during the Great Depression and people were desperate. The workers of the show provide solace to a young, curious Johnny. A few of my favorite quotes:
“You work with whatever life gives you. You just do your very best.”
“You want your freedom! You want to be left alone to just be you and be normal, but there is no normal Johnny. You want to be everyone else, and yet they’re all of them strange and different, unique to each other whether you know it or not. There is no normal life.”
The major theme is about the masks people wear to appear normal. He explores what it means to be different. He explores what makes a community against the prejudices of society.
My issue lies with the structure of the novel. It’s haphazard in time, it jumps from different character’s timelines. Also, it’s first person and then third person in the telling. Most of the story is told about Johnny and his journey. Then, Mustian changes to a different character, and it get confusing sometimes.
I recommend this for those interested in the subject matter: freak shows in the 1930’s. It is a dark story, with little cheer. No one wants to be noticed for what we consider our flaws.
“Boy With Wings” is an historical fiction story of a boy born with a congenital malformity in the 1930’s. As the title implies, the malformity is along his back and looks like rubbery wings. This happens in Florida, in a poor area where the religious zealots use religion as a weapon.
This poor boy, Johnny, is born to an unwed mother who was tricked by a smooth-talking man. She got herself pregnant, and despite him forcing her to drink poison, she delivered a baby boy. He had a strange “mark” on his back which grew and began strange looking…the look of a devil child. She buries him alive, but he lived. Eventually, she gets him out of her shack, where a one-armed man is trying to find the boy and kill him.
Mustian does a great job with adding suspense and stress! Johnny escapes the shack, but luckily ends up with itinerate black workers who eventually accept him. But this is the Jim Crow South in the 1930’s, and the white folk hear of a white boy staying in a black camp. The treatment of the black community is depicted honestly and brutally. Sometimes this is not a read for the feint of heart. I needed to stop reading a few times, that’s how good his writing is.
Hence the journey continues for Johnny. Because he looks different, he’s sold like a slave. Abused along the way by white men, he is eventually sold to a midget, Tot, who runs a traveling freak show. He finds some solace in the protection of the freaks. Mustian’s writing brings the reader to that time period. Circuses and carnival/freak shows were abundant at that time. At each stop, they pitched their tents and performed. Mustian added a Minstrel show, and a gambling shanty to the authentic mix. The ugly underbelly of humanity is exposed, as this is during the Great Depression and people were desperate. The workers of the show provide solace to a young, curious Johnny. A few of my favorite quotes:
“You work with whatever life gives you. You just do your very best.”
“You want your freedom! You want to be left alone to just be you and be normal, but there is no normal Johnny. You want to be everyone else, and yet they’re all of them strange and different, unique to each other whether you know it or not. There is no normal life.”
The major theme is about the masks people wear to appear normal. He explores what it means to be different. He explores what makes a community against the prejudices of society.
My issue lies with the structure of the novel. It’s haphazard in time, it jumps from different character’s timelines. Also, it’s first person and then third person in the telling. Most of the story is told about Johnny and his journey. Then, Mustian changes to a different character, and it get confusing sometimes.
I recommend this for those interested in the subject matter: freak shows in the 1930’s. It is a dark story, with little cheer. No one wants to be noticed for what we consider our flaws.
March 25, 2025
The Weight of Hollow Wings
Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian, offers a poignant meditation on difference, belonging, and the uneasy intersection of exploitation and acceptance in early twentieth-century America. Set in the 1930s South, the novel follows Johnny Cruel, a boy born with wing-like appendages whose very existence unsettles those around him. His mother, fearing for his safety, fakes his death, setting him on a trajectory through a series of marginal communities—first among African American turpentine workers and later as a spectacle in a travelling freak show. While these spaces offer temporary refuge, they also impose their own limitations, underscoring the novel’s central tension: Johnny’s perpetual struggle to define himself in a world that insists on defining him first. His interactions with the show’s figures—Tiny Tot, the shrewd and pragmatic manager, the devout yet condescending Zorat, and the maternal Sheila—highlight competing claims over his identity, each seeking to shape his self-perception in ways that reflect their own motivations.
Narratively, Boy With Wings resists a singular standpoint, instead offering multiple voices that reveal the various ways Johnny is viewed, possessed, and, at times, commodified. This fragmented storytelling underscores his lack of agency, as he oscillates between gratitude for fleeting stability and an underlying sense of entrapment. The novel deftly explores how race and class inform these dynamics: Johnny’s time among the turpentine workers presents an alternative model of community, albeit one fraught with its own precarity, while the stark division between “talent” and “freaks” within the travelling show reflects broader societal hierarchies. Religion emerges as both a source of justification for prejudice and a means of questioning it, complicating Johnny’s internal struggle as he searches for meaning beyond the roles imposed on him. As the narrative unfolds, Johnny’s path toward self-discovery remains ambiguous—his eventual assertion of purpose may signal autonomy, but Mustian leaves the reader questioning whether he has truly escaped the forces that have shaped him or if he has simply internalized them. In this way, Boy With Wings is not just a story of difference but of the uneasy relationship between suffering and survival in a world that seldom offers a clear path to redemption.
Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian, offers a poignant meditation on difference, belonging, and the uneasy intersection of exploitation and acceptance in early twentieth-century America. Set in the 1930s South, the novel follows Johnny Cruel, a boy born with wing-like appendages whose very existence unsettles those around him. His mother, fearing for his safety, fakes his death, setting him on a trajectory through a series of marginal communities—first among African American turpentine workers and later as a spectacle in a travelling freak show. While these spaces offer temporary refuge, they also impose their own limitations, underscoring the novel’s central tension: Johnny’s perpetual struggle to define himself in a world that insists on defining him first. His interactions with the show’s figures—Tiny Tot, the shrewd and pragmatic manager, the devout yet condescending Zorat, and the maternal Sheila—highlight competing claims over his identity, each seeking to shape his self-perception in ways that reflect their own motivations.
Narratively, Boy With Wings resists a singular standpoint, instead offering multiple voices that reveal the various ways Johnny is viewed, possessed, and, at times, commodified. This fragmented storytelling underscores his lack of agency, as he oscillates between gratitude for fleeting stability and an underlying sense of entrapment. The novel deftly explores how race and class inform these dynamics: Johnny’s time among the turpentine workers presents an alternative model of community, albeit one fraught with its own precarity, while the stark division between “talent” and “freaks” within the travelling show reflects broader societal hierarchies. Religion emerges as both a source of justification for prejudice and a means of questioning it, complicating Johnny’s internal struggle as he searches for meaning beyond the roles imposed on him. As the narrative unfolds, Johnny’s path toward self-discovery remains ambiguous—his eventual assertion of purpose may signal autonomy, but Mustian leaves the reader questioning whether he has truly escaped the forces that have shaped him or if he has simply internalized them. In this way, Boy With Wings is not just a story of difference but of the uneasy relationship between suffering and survival in a world that seldom offers a clear path to redemption.
March 10, 2025
As soon as I saw a book about an old-timey Circus listed on Netgalley I knew that I needed to read it. Some of my favorite books are set in circuses (Geek Love, The Night Circus). This didn't quite reach 5 star status like those books did, but I still enjoyed it immensely.
As Boy With Wings progresses, the reader is faced with so many hardships that Johnny has to deal with. Sometimes explained in detail and sometimes only hinted at as vague horrors that shaped his personality and beliefs. It is hard to give many details about his experiences in the book without giving spoilers but one big theme throughout is found family or alternative families and how those can be more special to us than our blood relations. Johnny first finds family in a Black community of tree farmers and later with the circus performers but he is never able to fully open up to any of them. He is truly restless and can't find where he belongs. Young love, heartbreak, and a wandering to find his true self all come to pass before the book is over and I must say the ending to this book was perfect and maybe one of the best endings I have read in a very long time. Tears were shed!
I had a few small ethical issues. As has been mentioned by other readers, some of the words used in the dialog were probably standard at the time but obviously offensive now and made me wonder if they needed to be used so often, even if to make a point. There is a bit of a "white savior" issue I feel, and it is very literal in one part. There was also a questionable r*pe scene that bothered me and not for the usual trigger reasons, but I will leave it at that.
I know that some people were bothered about the lack of description when certain parts of his life aren't elaborated upon. I actually enjoyed that - I like when we as readers are left to our own ideas about what happened. It makes for great discussion and introspection and I didn't think that it took away from the story at all.
All of that made it very hard for me to figure out the stars for this book. If I didn't have any issues it probably would have been like a 4.75 for me. I think the writing and the detail and character development of this book were beautiful and amazing but I can see how some of those triggers might really bother certain readers. But everything taken into consideration, I would definitely try another Mustian book in the future.
As Boy With Wings progresses, the reader is faced with so many hardships that Johnny has to deal with. Sometimes explained in detail and sometimes only hinted at as vague horrors that shaped his personality and beliefs. It is hard to give many details about his experiences in the book without giving spoilers but one big theme throughout is found family or alternative families and how those can be more special to us than our blood relations. Johnny first finds family in a Black community of tree farmers and later with the circus performers but he is never able to fully open up to any of them. He is truly restless and can't find where he belongs. Young love, heartbreak, and a wandering to find his true self all come to pass before the book is over and I must say the ending to this book was perfect and maybe one of the best endings I have read in a very long time. Tears were shed!
I had a few small ethical issues. As has been mentioned by other readers, some of the words used in the dialog were probably standard at the time but obviously offensive now and made me wonder if they needed to be used so often, even if to make a point. There is a bit of a "white savior" issue I feel, and it is very literal in one part. There was also a questionable r*pe scene that bothered me and not for the usual trigger reasons, but I will leave it at that.
I know that some people were bothered about the lack of description when certain parts of his life aren't elaborated upon. I actually enjoyed that - I like when we as readers are left to our own ideas about what happened. It makes for great discussion and introspection and I didn't think that it took away from the story at all.
All of that made it very hard for me to figure out the stars for this book. If I didn't have any issues it probably would have been like a 4.75 for me. I think the writing and the detail and character development of this book were beautiful and amazing but I can see how some of those triggers might really bother certain readers. But everything taken into consideration, I would definitely try another Mustian book in the future.
October 12, 2025
Thanks to Koehler Books and Netgalley for this eARC.
Mark Mustian’s Boy With Wings is a haunting, lyrical meditation on difference, destiny, and the fragile line between myth and reality. Set against the backdrop of the Depression-era South, this novel blends magical realism with Southern Gothic grit, offering a. unsettling but transcendent story.
Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back—wings that defy explanation and provoke fear. His mother, desperate to protect him from a world that sees him as monstrous, fakes his death and flees. Thus begins Johnny’s journey through labor camps, freak shows, and backwoods towns, where he is alternately worshipped, exploited, and hunted.
The novel unfolds episodically, each chapter a vignette of Johnny’s encounters with characters who range from grotesque to divine: Tiny Tot, the dwarf showman; a one-armed killer; a mysterious man who may be Johnny’s father—or his fate. Mustian’s prose is rich with biblical and mythological allusions, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere that never loses its emotional edge.
Boy With Wings is a story about identity and survival. Johnny’s wings are a gift and a curse, symbolizing the burden of being different in a world that demands conformity. Johnny is neither angel nor demon, but something more human: a boy searching for love, belonging, and meaning.
The novel also interrogates the ethics of spectacle and exploitation. Johnny’s time in the freak show is rendered with aching clarity, exposing the voyeurism and cruelty that often masquerade as entertainment. Yet Mustian resists moral binaries, allowing even the most grotesque characters moments of grace.
🕊️Wings, birds, prayers, and ghosts populate the novel’s symbolic landscape, creating a tapestry of light and shadow. Mustian’s language is poetic without being precious, his imagery evocative without overwhelming the narrative. Names echo Greek myth and scripture, reinforcing the novel’s timeless themes of fate, sacrifice, and transformation.
🧪 Boy With Wings is a bold, imaginative novel that soars beyond genre. It’s a story of pain and beauty, cruelty and compassion, grounded in historical realism but lifted by mythic resonance.
For readers who crave fiction that challenges, enchants, and lingers, Mustian delivers a masterwork.
Recommended for fans of: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, and The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly.
Mark Mustian’s Boy With Wings is a haunting, lyrical meditation on difference, destiny, and the fragile line between myth and reality. Set against the backdrop of the Depression-era South, this novel blends magical realism with Southern Gothic grit, offering a. unsettling but transcendent story.
Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back—wings that defy explanation and provoke fear. His mother, desperate to protect him from a world that sees him as monstrous, fakes his death and flees. Thus begins Johnny’s journey through labor camps, freak shows, and backwoods towns, where he is alternately worshipped, exploited, and hunted.
The novel unfolds episodically, each chapter a vignette of Johnny’s encounters with characters who range from grotesque to divine: Tiny Tot, the dwarf showman; a one-armed killer; a mysterious man who may be Johnny’s father—or his fate. Mustian’s prose is rich with biblical and mythological allusions, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere that never loses its emotional edge.
Boy With Wings is a story about identity and survival. Johnny’s wings are a gift and a curse, symbolizing the burden of being different in a world that demands conformity. Johnny is neither angel nor demon, but something more human: a boy searching for love, belonging, and meaning.
The novel also interrogates the ethics of spectacle and exploitation. Johnny’s time in the freak show is rendered with aching clarity, exposing the voyeurism and cruelty that often masquerade as entertainment. Yet Mustian resists moral binaries, allowing even the most grotesque characters moments of grace.
🕊️Wings, birds, prayers, and ghosts populate the novel’s symbolic landscape, creating a tapestry of light and shadow. Mustian’s language is poetic without being precious, his imagery evocative without overwhelming the narrative. Names echo Greek myth and scripture, reinforcing the novel’s timeless themes of fate, sacrifice, and transformation.
🧪 Boy With Wings is a bold, imaginative novel that soars beyond genre. It’s a story of pain and beauty, cruelty and compassion, grounded in historical realism but lifted by mythic resonance.
For readers who crave fiction that challenges, enchants, and lingers, Mustian delivers a masterwork.
Recommended for fans of: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, and The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly.
March 26, 2025
Mark Mustian’s Boy With Wings is a poignant and deeply evocative novel that intertwines history, fantasy, and human resilience. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the lead-up to World War II, the novel follows Johnny Cruel, a young man born out of wedlock with mysterious appendages on his back—wings that make him both an outcast and an enigma. Shunned by society, Johnny navigates a tumultuous world where he encounters both cruelty and unexpected kindness. From finding temporary solace in a Black community of tree farmers to seeking refuge with a traveling oddities show, his journey is one of self-discovery, love, heartbreak, and the relentless search for acceptance. Mustian’s storytelling is immersive, capturing the harsh realities of racism, the mesmerizing allure of circus life, and the deep yearning for belonging that drives Johnny’s restless soul.
The novel excels in character development, bringing to life a cast of vibrant and complex individuals who shape Johnny’s path—whether as allies or adversaries. Mustian masterfully explores themes of found family, survival, and the ways in which society both ostracizes and exploits those who are different. The prose is both lyrical and unflinching, with moments of profound beauty balanced by scenes of stark brutality. However, some narrative choices, including the frequent use of period-accurate but offensive language, a problematic "white savior" dynamic, and a controversial assault scene, may be unsettling to certain readers. While these elements contribute to the historical authenticity and moral complexity of the novel, they also raise ethical concerns that warrant reflection.
Despite these challenges, Boy With Wings is an unforgettable novel that lingers long after the final page. The balance between historical realism and magical elements creates a compelling atmosphere, and the ending—both heartbreaking and beautifully fitting—cements the book as a remarkable work of fiction. Mustian’s ability to confront human nature—our capacity for cruelty, our biases, and our potential for redemption—makes this a thought-provoking read. While it may not be for the faint of heart, those who appreciate layered storytelling and deeply introspective narratives will find Boy With Wings to be a profoundly moving and rewarding experience.
The novel excels in character development, bringing to life a cast of vibrant and complex individuals who shape Johnny’s path—whether as allies or adversaries. Mustian masterfully explores themes of found family, survival, and the ways in which society both ostracizes and exploits those who are different. The prose is both lyrical and unflinching, with moments of profound beauty balanced by scenes of stark brutality. However, some narrative choices, including the frequent use of period-accurate but offensive language, a problematic "white savior" dynamic, and a controversial assault scene, may be unsettling to certain readers. While these elements contribute to the historical authenticity and moral complexity of the novel, they also raise ethical concerns that warrant reflection.
Despite these challenges, Boy With Wings is an unforgettable novel that lingers long after the final page. The balance between historical realism and magical elements creates a compelling atmosphere, and the ending—both heartbreaking and beautifully fitting—cements the book as a remarkable work of fiction. Mustian’s ability to confront human nature—our capacity for cruelty, our biases, and our potential for redemption—makes this a thought-provoking read. While it may not be for the faint of heart, those who appreciate layered storytelling and deeply introspective narratives will find Boy With Wings to be a profoundly moving and rewarding experience.
March 31, 2025
Mark Mustian’s Boy With Wings is a haunting, poetic dive into the life of Johnny Cruel, a boy born with a set of mysterious appendages that immediately set him apart from his Southern community. Is he a miracle or a monster? That question follows him throughout a life shaped by rejection, exploitation, and a search for belonging.
The novel’s opening is mesmerizing—Mustian’s writing is lush and evocative, pulling readers into Johnny’s world with a mix of Southern Gothic grit and lyrical beauty. The early chapters, in particular, paint a vivid portrait of a child deemed an abomination, forced into a cruel world where his only value is as a spectacle. His journey through the 1930s South, from abandonment to the dark allure of the freak show circuit, is both heartbreaking and compelling.
However, as the story unfolds, the narrative begins to feel disjointed. The pacing stumbles in the latter half, with abrupt transitions that leave gaps in Johnny’s development. Moments that should have been deeply emotional or transformative sometimes feel rushed, and by the time the book reaches its conclusion, Johnny's character arc takes a sharp turn that feels at odds with his earlier struggles.
That said, there’s an undeniable brilliance in how Mustian weaves themes of self-acceptance, identity, and societal cruelty. The wings—both a physical burden and a metaphor—symbolize the loneliness of being different and the aching desire to either hide or embrace one's true self. It’s a story of survival, but also of transformation, and in its best moments, it carries an almost mythical quality.
Stylistically, the novel oscillates between first- and third-person narration, which can be jarring at times. While this shift might have been intended to deepen the reader’s connection to Johnny, it occasionally disrupts the flow rather than enhancing it. Despite that, Mustian’s prose is undeniably striking, with a dark, almost dreamlike quality that lingers long after the final page.
Overall, Boy With Wings is an ambitious and thought-provoking read. It may not fully stick the landing, but it offers a rich, atmospheric experience that fans of historical fiction and magical realism will appreciate. If you enjoy stories that explore the fine line between wonder and isolation, this one is worth picking up.
The novel’s opening is mesmerizing—Mustian’s writing is lush and evocative, pulling readers into Johnny’s world with a mix of Southern Gothic grit and lyrical beauty. The early chapters, in particular, paint a vivid portrait of a child deemed an abomination, forced into a cruel world where his only value is as a spectacle. His journey through the 1930s South, from abandonment to the dark allure of the freak show circuit, is both heartbreaking and compelling.
However, as the story unfolds, the narrative begins to feel disjointed. The pacing stumbles in the latter half, with abrupt transitions that leave gaps in Johnny’s development. Moments that should have been deeply emotional or transformative sometimes feel rushed, and by the time the book reaches its conclusion, Johnny's character arc takes a sharp turn that feels at odds with his earlier struggles.
That said, there’s an undeniable brilliance in how Mustian weaves themes of self-acceptance, identity, and societal cruelty. The wings—both a physical burden and a metaphor—symbolize the loneliness of being different and the aching desire to either hide or embrace one's true self. It’s a story of survival, but also of transformation, and in its best moments, it carries an almost mythical quality.
Stylistically, the novel oscillates between first- and third-person narration, which can be jarring at times. While this shift might have been intended to deepen the reader’s connection to Johnny, it occasionally disrupts the flow rather than enhancing it. Despite that, Mustian’s prose is undeniably striking, with a dark, almost dreamlike quality that lingers long after the final page.
Overall, Boy With Wings is an ambitious and thought-provoking read. It may not fully stick the landing, but it offers a rich, atmospheric experience that fans of historical fiction and magical realism will appreciate. If you enjoy stories that explore the fine line between wonder and isolation, this one is worth picking up.
April 4, 2025
Johnny Cruel was born with unusual growths on his back, distinguishing him from those around him. Branded as an outcast since birth, he moved through various homes before landing in a traveling sideshow. In this environment, Johnny became both celebrated and exploited—heralded as an oddity while grappling with understanding his identity. Throughout his journey, he experienced fleeting acts of kindness amid profound loss and constantly searching for a sense of belonging. Over time, Johnny wrestled with reconciling his past, debating whether to embrace what made him unique or hide it in hopes of finding peace.
Mark Mustian’s Boy with Wings is a haunting, thought-provoking story about being different in a world that fears the unfamiliar. The title alone speaks volumes—Johnny isn’t just a boy with wings. He is a symbol of everything society doesn’t know how to handle.
Mustian’s writing is rich and immersive, with a style that pulls the reader into the grit of the 1930s South. The structure jumps between different points in Johnny’s life, revealing pieces of his past in a way that mirrors his attempt to make sense of it all. His time in the freak show is particularly striking—both grotesque and mesmerizing. The contrast between those who gawk at him and those who see him as more than a curiosity adds depth to the novel’s exploration of perception and humanity.
One of the most memorable aspects is the depiction of the found family. The Black laborers who briefly take Johnny in show him acceptance, which he rarely experiences elsewhere. The performers in Tiny Tot’s traveling show, though bound by their misfortunes, become something of a second home. Even when Johnny is unable to settle truly, these moments of connection stand out.
The novel doesn’t just focus on spectacle. It captures the rawness of growing up feeling unwanted. Johnny’s struggles with love, faith, and anger feel real, making it easy to connect with him even when his choices are questionable. The pacing slows down in the middle, but the emotional weight carries the story forward.
The ending is unexpected and lingers in the mind long after the book is closed. It is rare for a story to capture both pain and wonder so well. Boy with Wings doesn’t give easy answers, but it leaves an impact. Mustian has crafted something both unsettling and beautiful.
Mark Mustian’s Boy with Wings is a haunting, thought-provoking story about being different in a world that fears the unfamiliar. The title alone speaks volumes—Johnny isn’t just a boy with wings. He is a symbol of everything society doesn’t know how to handle.
Mustian’s writing is rich and immersive, with a style that pulls the reader into the grit of the 1930s South. The structure jumps between different points in Johnny’s life, revealing pieces of his past in a way that mirrors his attempt to make sense of it all. His time in the freak show is particularly striking—both grotesque and mesmerizing. The contrast between those who gawk at him and those who see him as more than a curiosity adds depth to the novel’s exploration of perception and humanity.
One of the most memorable aspects is the depiction of the found family. The Black laborers who briefly take Johnny in show him acceptance, which he rarely experiences elsewhere. The performers in Tiny Tot’s traveling show, though bound by their misfortunes, become something of a second home. Even when Johnny is unable to settle truly, these moments of connection stand out.
The novel doesn’t just focus on spectacle. It captures the rawness of growing up feeling unwanted. Johnny’s struggles with love, faith, and anger feel real, making it easy to connect with him even when his choices are questionable. The pacing slows down in the middle, but the emotional weight carries the story forward.
The ending is unexpected and lingers in the mind long after the book is closed. It is rare for a story to capture both pain and wonder so well. Boy with Wings doesn’t give easy answers, but it leaves an impact. Mustian has crafted something both unsettling and beautiful.
April 21, 2025
I've never read anything before by this author, and since I've been in a reading slump for some time, this was also a hard read to get into...at first. It took me quite some time to get used to this author's unique writing style, and after the first few chapters I almost gave up. As much as I struggled with the writing style at first, something in the story compelled me not to give up. At around 25%, I finally settled into the story, the style of writing, the rhythm, and the "otherness" of the main character. I had realised by then that I simply had to bob along and go with the flow to wherever the author wanted to take me alongside Johnny on his very strange journey.
As much as the writing didn't appeal to me at first, once I got used to the ebb and flow, and the very descriptive prose, I was deeply drawn into the lives of the downtrodden, the lost, the discarded, and the beauty of their strangeness. Reading Boy with Wings, oftentimes felt like being pulled into a smudged watercolor painting of a vintage 1930s American circus, almost reminiscent of the freak show in season four of the TV series, American Horror Story (same feel, but without the horror parts).
This is a story, told from multiple points of view, where you have to surrender and give yourself over to the narrative. All the different POVs have their own version of events, which makes for an edgy read. However, I couldn't help but feel a disconnect with most of the characters, even though I'm sure it was the author's intention that the majority of them were only meant as passers-by on the main character's odd journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Around 70% into the story it gets a little dark and morbid, but it's worth reading on for the unexpected conclusion. I don't exactly know how I expected the book to end, but I know I was hoping for something more concrete than only fascination, though the ending still appealed to me in a strange way.
Overall, a fascinating, superbly-written book, but most certainly not a light read. I'd recommend it for book clubs as there is so much here to unravel and discuss, and I'd recommend it to readers who like to delve deeply into complex characters with numerous layers.
As much as the writing didn't appeal to me at first, once I got used to the ebb and flow, and the very descriptive prose, I was deeply drawn into the lives of the downtrodden, the lost, the discarded, and the beauty of their strangeness. Reading Boy with Wings, oftentimes felt like being pulled into a smudged watercolor painting of a vintage 1930s American circus, almost reminiscent of the freak show in season four of the TV series, American Horror Story (same feel, but without the horror parts).
This is a story, told from multiple points of view, where you have to surrender and give yourself over to the narrative. All the different POVs have their own version of events, which makes for an edgy read. However, I couldn't help but feel a disconnect with most of the characters, even though I'm sure it was the author's intention that the majority of them were only meant as passers-by on the main character's odd journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Around 70% into the story it gets a little dark and morbid, but it's worth reading on for the unexpected conclusion. I don't exactly know how I expected the book to end, but I know I was hoping for something more concrete than only fascination, though the ending still appealed to me in a strange way.
Overall, a fascinating, superbly-written book, but most certainly not a light read. I'd recommend it for book clubs as there is so much here to unravel and discuss, and I'd recommend it to readers who like to delve deeply into complex characters with numerous layers.
January 8, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Recommend? Yes, with caution for triggers
Finished: 1.8.2025
Format: Advance Digital: thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC
A boy with a secret, a mother with a duty to protect his secret, and the many people who enter his life to discover & try to exploit boy and secret, both. This book takes the classic coming-of-age trope & wraps it in wings made of adult self-interest, religious zealotry, maternal stand-ins and normalcy wrested from the grips of an exceptionally turbulent life.
Read this if you like:
Disability rep
Found family
Flashes of HEA
Coming-of-age
Triggers: racial slurs, ableist slurs, religious zealotry, suicidal ideation, suicide (minor character off-page), alcoholism (secondary character on-page), grievous bodily harm & death on-page
Reviewer’s Personal Notes (all opinions are my own, and are intended for readers and not for the author)
Favorite quote: “You want to be everyone else, and yet they’re all of them strange and different, unique to each other whether you know it or not. There is no normal life. It takes time to accept this, and even then, it can go in spurts.”
High: Reading first-person POVs from all but our main character was a really interesting piece of storycraft. The technique created a spectator-view mimicking his life in the side show, while shielding his innermost thoughts from the prying eyes of the reader. There is a fair amount of surrealism in the last 1/3 of the book that makes one question if there is an unreliable narrator at work, or if the surreal has supplanted the expected.
Low: Utilizing language common to the 1930’s feels jarring and despicable to any human with feelings, though it would have been inescapable during that period. I feel that I am not the right reviewer to fully enter into a conversation about the need for such language, but what I can say is that it needs to be listed among the triggers for this book; it is used to underscore the brutishness, self-importance and inhumanity of those spewing such hate; and it is not glamorized or encouraged by the author.
Recommend? Yes, with caution for triggers
Finished: 1.8.2025
Format: Advance Digital: thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC
A boy with a secret, a mother with a duty to protect his secret, and the many people who enter his life to discover & try to exploit boy and secret, both. This book takes the classic coming-of-age trope & wraps it in wings made of adult self-interest, religious zealotry, maternal stand-ins and normalcy wrested from the grips of an exceptionally turbulent life.
Read this if you like:
Disability rep
Found family
Flashes of HEA
Coming-of-age
Triggers: racial slurs, ableist slurs, religious zealotry, suicidal ideation, suicide (minor character off-page), alcoholism (secondary character on-page), grievous bodily harm & death on-page
Reviewer’s Personal Notes (all opinions are my own, and are intended for readers and not for the author)
Favorite quote: “You want to be everyone else, and yet they’re all of them strange and different, unique to each other whether you know it or not. There is no normal life. It takes time to accept this, and even then, it can go in spurts.”
High: Reading first-person POVs from all but our main character was a really interesting piece of storycraft. The technique created a spectator-view mimicking his life in the side show, while shielding his innermost thoughts from the prying eyes of the reader. There is a fair amount of surrealism in the last 1/3 of the book that makes one question if there is an unreliable narrator at work, or if the surreal has supplanted the expected.
Low: Utilizing language common to the 1930’s feels jarring and despicable to any human with feelings, though it would have been inescapable during that period. I feel that I am not the right reviewer to fully enter into a conversation about the need for such language, but what I can say is that it needs to be listed among the triggers for this book; it is used to underscore the brutishness, self-importance and inhumanity of those spewing such hate; and it is not glamorized or encouraged by the author.
March 6, 2025
Ah, the dreaded three-star read. An okay story to read, a nightmare to review. It’s so much easier to rave about a book you love or rant about a book you hate, but the ones in the middle? The ones you picked up because you thought you would love them but then didn’t? I hate those 😅
So yeah, I picked up Boy With Wings on a whim. I liked the cover and I liked the premise even more and I felt sure it would be right up my street. Unfortunately, though, something about the execution didn’t quite work for me. Magical realism is always a bit hit or miss for me, that might be part of it. My inner Fickle Frieda made a comeback and that sure didn’t help. Neither did the fact that I seemed to have the attention span of a gnat again. But the cold, hard truth is that reading Boy With Wings took quite some effort at times and it felt much meatier than the 300 something pages it actually is.
Boy With Wings tells the story of Johnny, a boy born with green eyes, white fluffy hair on his head, and winglike ridges on his back that only grow and extend and even sprout some kind of feathers as he grows older. Being different is never easy, but when it’s that obvious, it’s even harder. To the point that his mother stages his death so they can get away. When his mother dies, he is taken care of, loved even, by a group of former slaves, but he gets snatched away and ends up in a freak show.
I enjoyed that first part but then it all sort of fizzled out and by the end, I felt little connection to any of the characters, and little urge to find out what happened to them. The story just lost me.
Boy With Wings, for me, missed the mark. If you’re intrigued by the premise, or enamoured with the cover, don’t let me stop you, you may well enjoy it more than I did.
Thanks to Koehler Books and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
So yeah, I picked up Boy With Wings on a whim. I liked the cover and I liked the premise even more and I felt sure it would be right up my street. Unfortunately, though, something about the execution didn’t quite work for me. Magical realism is always a bit hit or miss for me, that might be part of it. My inner Fickle Frieda made a comeback and that sure didn’t help. Neither did the fact that I seemed to have the attention span of a gnat again. But the cold, hard truth is that reading Boy With Wings took quite some effort at times and it felt much meatier than the 300 something pages it actually is.
Boy With Wings tells the story of Johnny, a boy born with green eyes, white fluffy hair on his head, and winglike ridges on his back that only grow and extend and even sprout some kind of feathers as he grows older. Being different is never easy, but when it’s that obvious, it’s even harder. To the point that his mother stages his death so they can get away. When his mother dies, he is taken care of, loved even, by a group of former slaves, but he gets snatched away and ends up in a freak show.
I enjoyed that first part but then it all sort of fizzled out and by the end, I felt little connection to any of the characters, and little urge to find out what happened to them. The story just lost me.
Boy With Wings, for me, missed the mark. If you’re intrigued by the premise, or enamoured with the cover, don’t let me stop you, you may well enjoy it more than I did.
Thanks to Koehler Books and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2025
Boy With Wings tells the story of Johnny Cruel, a boy born in the 1920's with unusual features who is blamed for the misfortunes of his town. His mother, Lena, stages his death to escape, but she soon falls ill, leaving Johnny at a turpentine camp. There, he is cared for by former slaves until he is discovered and sold to a freak show. Johnny becomes the star attraction, finding acceptance and friendship among the other performers, especially the owner's daughter, Winifred. However, hard times and a figure from his past threaten his newfound happiness. A tragic accident leaves Johnny on his own for the first time where he must figure out who he is without cover of the freak show.
Boy With Wings is an intriguing historical fiction story that explores the themes of acceptance and belonging compellingly. The most interesting thing about Johnny's character is not his wings, but his outlook on life, his perseverance and his relationships. Johnny has dealt with a multitude of setbacks, hardships and social injustices in his life, but is still determined to be a good person. The writing captures the feeling of the late 1920's and early 1930's as Johnny encounters racism, sexism, crumbling economics and dirty politics. Johnny is able to learn and take away something from each place he lands in, taking what comes to him in stride. The point of view rotated between Johnny and the other characters in his life, bringing the story deeper As Johnny grows, so do his wings, which added an element of magical realism and created a bigger mystery around Johnny. While Johnny's story may not have taken him where I thought, it seemed like the next appropriate step in his life.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2025
As a reader who is entranced by stories that get deeply into their characters, I found Boy With Wings to be a profoundly interesting and important read. Born prior to the Great Depression, in the American South, to a single mother , Johnny Cruel, who has a very unusual physical aberration , finds himself struggling to achieve a place in an uncaring world. After his mother’s death he is taken in by former slaves who live in a turpentine camp. With this caring snd compassionate group he finds acceptance and love. When the surrounding white and racist community discovers a white boy living amongst blacks, Johnny is removed and eventually sold to a circus sideshow of fellow freaks where he forges relationships with a host of societal misfits as well as the beautiful young daughter of the owner of the troupe.
This coming of age story is historical fiction at its best. The writing is passionate and engaging as the author dares to address society’s cruel dismissal and disregard of anyone who is different. An undercurrent of racial discrimination flows hand in hand with the plight of the disabled, both being visible differences to those who make and uphold the rules that drive American society.
I loved this book. Kudos to Mark Mustian for daring to address a topic we need to think about with pathos and sensitivity. Five bright stars for a magnificent read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Koehler publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book was published on March 15, 2025. Read it!
February 6, 2025
The book captured me from the first few pages and I was actually rooting for Johnny and his mom, but then about 40% into the book things started to just fall apart.
Things jump around like crazy and you are left to infer what happened in all the spaces. This is confusing and breaks the flow of the story.
Johnny was born with a deformity and declared an abomination by the town. The town wanted him dead, so his mother does what she thinks is best to protect him. Great right? But not really because she is sick and she knows she's sick but for some reason keeps insisting she will get better.
This book is set during the time of the Great Depression on thru to about WWI. The one thing that stood out is the Religious zealotry which is why the "town" wanted Johnny dead. The superstition that he was the cause of a young girls death just shows the ignorance of the preacher, but it fits with the time.
Triggers in this book include racial slurs, ableist slurs, suicidal ideation, alcoholism, grievous bodily harm and death.
I only mention the triggers because some will want to steer clear. Especially those who do not like realism in their books. The author utilized the language of the time period and that includes all the despicable terms people used back them to dehumanize others.
Quick and easy read, I would have rated it higher but all the jumping around and skipping over what I felt were important aspects just didn't sit right with me.
Things jump around like crazy and you are left to infer what happened in all the spaces. This is confusing and breaks the flow of the story.
Johnny was born with a deformity and declared an abomination by the town. The town wanted him dead, so his mother does what she thinks is best to protect him. Great right? But not really because she is sick and she knows she's sick but for some reason keeps insisting she will get better.
This book is set during the time of the Great Depression on thru to about WWI. The one thing that stood out is the Religious zealotry which is why the "town" wanted Johnny dead. The superstition that he was the cause of a young girls death just shows the ignorance of the preacher, but it fits with the time.
Triggers in this book include racial slurs, ableist slurs, suicidal ideation, alcoholism, grievous bodily harm and death.
I only mention the triggers because some will want to steer clear. Especially those who do not like realism in their books. The author utilized the language of the time period and that includes all the despicable terms people used back them to dehumanize others.
Quick and easy read, I would have rated it higher but all the jumping around and skipping over what I felt were important aspects just didn't sit right with me.
March 11, 2025
Mark Mustian’s “The Boy with Wings” effectively captures the turbulence of a world grappling with the Great Depression, the lingering scars of slavery, and the deep-rooted social injustices of the era. Set in the late 1920s American South, the novel vividly portrays a society weighed down by fear, hate, and oppression.
The story revolves around Johnny, a boy marked by a peculiar birthmark that grows into wing-like shapes. Born into a deeply religious community governed by hate and fear of the unknown, Johnny’s life is marred by rejection. His mother, desperate to protect him, fakes his death, and flees in a bid for safety. After his mother’s death, Johnny’s journey only grows more tumultuous as he becomes a centerpiece in a freak show circus. Through his encounters with cruelty and rare acts of kindness, the novel explores themes of identity, isolation, and belonging.
The story was interesting and explored significant societal issues, but it was challenging to follow the narrative. I had to put in quite a bit of effort to follow along with the plot as there were aspects of the writing that were intentionally vague and left me confused. I enjoy deep, rich storylines but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Koehler Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
Check out more of my reviews at https://bookishwondersreviews.blogspo...
The story revolves around Johnny, a boy marked by a peculiar birthmark that grows into wing-like shapes. Born into a deeply religious community governed by hate and fear of the unknown, Johnny’s life is marred by rejection. His mother, desperate to protect him, fakes his death, and flees in a bid for safety. After his mother’s death, Johnny’s journey only grows more tumultuous as he becomes a centerpiece in a freak show circus. Through his encounters with cruelty and rare acts of kindness, the novel explores themes of identity, isolation, and belonging.
The story was interesting and explored significant societal issues, but it was challenging to follow the narrative. I had to put in quite a bit of effort to follow along with the plot as there were aspects of the writing that were intentionally vague and left me confused. I enjoy deep, rich storylines but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Koehler Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
Check out more of my reviews at https://bookishwondersreviews.blogspo...
November 29, 2025
Boy With Wings is the first novel I have read by Mark Mustian. I found this Depression era tale to be an interesting read about finding where you belong and how to accept yourself. My heart broke for Johnny as he tries to navigate being outcast in his hometown and making a new start. I wanted to see what he would find along the way. His story leads to variety of emotion, such as, love, loss, betrayal, courage, anger, happiness, and sadness. Just when he thought he found where he belonged, something else happens. I was rooting for him all throughout the book. I admired his determination to continue to survive during the worst of times he experiences. I enjoyed taking this adventure with him in hopes he will discover who he truly is and what is important in life. It covers a lot of the "norms" of the era: diversity, racism, and religion.
I am going to give Boy With Wings a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction/magical realism/literary fiction. I would be interested in reading more books from the author, Mark Mustian, in the future. I believe this one is most definitely worth reading and not to be missed. I loved it.
I received a paperback copy of Mark Mustian's Boy With Wings from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am going to give Boy With Wings a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction/magical realism/literary fiction. I would be interested in reading more books from the author, Mark Mustian, in the future. I believe this one is most definitely worth reading and not to be missed. I loved it.
I received a paperback copy of Mark Mustian's Boy With Wings from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
December 8, 2025
Boy with Wings by Mark Mustian is one of those rare stories that balances quiet emotion with a touch of the surreal, making you pause and think long after you've turned the final page. Told with a gentle, poetic voice, the novel follows Johnny Cruel, as he is called by his mother, a boy born with wings — not as a fantasy spectacle, but as a symbol of difference, longing, and the silent battles we all carry.
What makes this book stand out is the way Mustian blends reality with subtle magic. Johnny Cruel's wings aren’t treated with drama; instead, they become a lens through which we see his isolation, his yearning to belong, and the weight of being “different” in a world that fears the unusual. Every chapter moves with soft introspection, weaving childhood innocence with the harshness of society’s expectations.
The author’s writing is beautifully restrained — atmospheric, thoughtful, and filled with emotional undercurrents. Themes of identity, acceptance, and growing up are explored with empathy. And despite being a slim novel, it leaves a lingering impact as the boy quietly grows, falters, and discovers his own voice.
For readers who enjoy literary realism with a magical touch, this book offers a deeply felt journey that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place. It’s tender, reflective, and surprisingly profound — a story that stays with you.
What makes this book stand out is the way Mustian blends reality with subtle magic. Johnny Cruel's wings aren’t treated with drama; instead, they become a lens through which we see his isolation, his yearning to belong, and the weight of being “different” in a world that fears the unusual. Every chapter moves with soft introspection, weaving childhood innocence with the harshness of society’s expectations.
The author’s writing is beautifully restrained — atmospheric, thoughtful, and filled with emotional undercurrents. Themes of identity, acceptance, and growing up are explored with empathy. And despite being a slim novel, it leaves a lingering impact as the boy quietly grows, falters, and discovers his own voice.
For readers who enjoy literary realism with a magical touch, this book offers a deeply felt journey that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place. It’s tender, reflective, and surprisingly profound — a story that stays with you.
December 12, 2025
Boy With Wings follows Johnny Cruel, a boy born in the American South in the 1930s with unusual wing-like growths on his back. Terrified of how the world will treat him, his mother fakes his death and escapes with him, hoping to give him a life where fear will not define him. Johnny grows up moving from place to place, meeting people who are as displaced as he is. He works in a turpentine camp, becomes part of a traveling sideshow, and even lands inside the Florida state capitol. Each stop brings new faces, fresh betrayals, and small flashes of tenderness, forcing him to confront the simple but painful question at the heart of his life. He a monster, a miracle, and maybe just a boy who wants to belong.
The book talks of strange, bruised, unforgettable lives. The writing is quite poetic, beautiful all the way. The story moves easily between tenderness and harsh truth, and I loved how every character felt like someone who had been pushed to the edges of society. Moving from fear to self-acceptance, the story has a magnetic pull. It is haunting, gentle, cruel, and hopeful in a lasting way. I enjoyed this story for its heart, its odd beauty, and its courage to explore what it truly means to be different.
Johnny’s search for a home in a world that refuses to make space for him felt emotional. It is a book that honors misfits.
The book talks of strange, bruised, unforgettable lives. The writing is quite poetic, beautiful all the way. The story moves easily between tenderness and harsh truth, and I loved how every character felt like someone who had been pushed to the edges of society. Moving from fear to self-acceptance, the story has a magnetic pull. It is haunting, gentle, cruel, and hopeful in a lasting way. I enjoyed this story for its heart, its odd beauty, and its courage to explore what it truly means to be different.
Johnny’s search for a home in a world that refuses to make space for him felt emotional. It is a book that honors misfits.
February 17, 2025
“Boy With Wings” is a very touching story of a young boy who literally grows a set of wings.
There are lots of different genres here in that the plot is set in America during the Depression. Jonny, the boy with wings, is left an orphan who life on the outside.
His mother tries to protect him, but unfortunately, she dies when he is very young and he finds himself taken in by a work camp. The difference being that they workers are black and he is white. Here he is different and finds himself looking at camp from the outside. Not just the fact that he has wings.
When his time ends in the camp he moves around – skimming over some of the narrative (we can only guess what happened), settling at a Circus. I love novels set in 1930s circuses and this one didn’t disappoint. Jonny being a side attraction and not from Circus stock is again on the outside.
This is an ongoing theme in that he never really fits in – he is always on the outside looking in.
The plot comes from multiple points of view – mostly not Jonny’s so often we have to guess what he is thinking.
I am not sure if the novel is for everyone but if you are a fan of Depression era historical fiction or of circus based historical fiction then this one might be for you.
There are lots of different genres here in that the plot is set in America during the Depression. Jonny, the boy with wings, is left an orphan who life on the outside.
His mother tries to protect him, but unfortunately, she dies when he is very young and he finds himself taken in by a work camp. The difference being that they workers are black and he is white. Here he is different and finds himself looking at camp from the outside. Not just the fact that he has wings.
When his time ends in the camp he moves around – skimming over some of the narrative (we can only guess what happened), settling at a Circus. I love novels set in 1930s circuses and this one didn’t disappoint. Jonny being a side attraction and not from Circus stock is again on the outside.
This is an ongoing theme in that he never really fits in – he is always on the outside looking in.
The plot comes from multiple points of view – mostly not Jonny’s so often we have to guess what he is thinking.
I am not sure if the novel is for everyone but if you are a fan of Depression era historical fiction or of circus based historical fiction then this one might be for you.
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