The Ballad of Bonaventure Palmier

by Adam Sockel

When Madame Esmeralda Coquelicot, the leader of a mysterious circus bigger on the inside than on the outside, shows up at the door of clothier Bonaventure Palmier, his quiet life is forever changed.
Fate and tragedy lead Bonaventure to join the circus, and his friendship with Esme grows as they travel the countryside by caravan. Esme's magic and health fade with each stop they make, and Bonaventure must build the impossible before Esmerelda and everyone within the circus wither away forever.
A blend of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series, and Kathleen Rooney's Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, The Ballad of Bonaventure Palmier stitches together heartbreaking moments of betrayal, reimagined fairy tales, and complex interpersonal relationships.

318 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2025

Reviews

[Alexandra K.]

This book has a little bit of everything: magic, love, friendship, heartbreak and more. It was so so good!

[Roger Davis]

One beautiful piece of writing. Descriptive. Provoking. Challenging. Lyrical. Centering. A Ballad in every sense of the word where this story, or rather, collection of stories, will take you out to the depths and force you to confront ideas of life that we all are faced with in our own way as human beings. There’s a gentleness that feels so timely throughout the chapters that is not only refreshing, but necessary, especially with the current climate of the world. Not reality, but also not fantasy. The Ballad is a complex tale that will test your imagination. Well done and highly recommended to readers of all ages.

[Erin]

Such a beautiful book! I want to be one of the characters and travel with the circus. Thank you for this piece of art Adam!

[BETSY Sweet]

I loved this book!!! It was magical and led you through the highest highs in life, as well as, the lowest lows. The author was able to bring you into a world which you never wanted to leave with a fabulous cast of characters that you wanted to always be friends with. Enjoy!

[Jessica]

A magical story that is easy to get lost in. This story is a journey through grief and found family. A true work of art.

[Holly Beris]

Just a beautifully written book… the imagery is incredible!