Book Review: “Boy, Falling” by (House of Rougeaux #2) by Jenny Jaeckel

“Boy, Falling” by (House of Rougeaux #2) by Jenny Jaeckel (2021)

Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBT

Page Length: 278 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Seeking to pursue his dream in music, and harboring a grave secret, young Gerard Rougeaux leaves his native Montreal for New York City in 1909, embarking on a journey that then takes him to Paris at the height of the Jazz Age. There, years later, Gerard becomes haunted by strange dreams of a boy falling through space, as his story entwines with the family he has left behind-his half-sister Jeannette and her two children, struggling to make their way in New York after the economic crash of 1929.

Continuing the family epic begun in House of Rougeaux, Boy, Falling weaves together human yearning and mystery, and what it means to be part of the fabric of life. (description from Goodreads)

*To read a review of book one click here.

Review:

This is the second novel in the House of Rougeaux Series. This novel follows the story of Gerard who is a child music prodigy growing up in the late 1800s. Readers see Gerard as a child grappling with the fact that he has been adopted, being aware of his race as a young black boy, and grappling with feelings of his blooming sexuality. He is often teased and made fun of by others that’s around him which makes him feel lonely. Like in the first novel of the series, Jaeckel’s atmospheric writing is very detailed and really pulls the reader into its historical settings. You could really imagine yourself in Gerrard’s shoes looking at the world through his eyes and looking at all the artistry that was about to arise within the early 1920s.

This novel continues to explore another chapter of the Rougeaux family line that we were introduced to in the first book. George’s story is not only a narrative of self-discovery but as we get to the part of the novel where he hits his mid-early 30s it becomes a story of what it means to be an artist. He is inspired by the Harlem artist scene but wants more for his life and determines that moving to France and learning from different musicians will help him to create and try new things. However, France leaves him with the bounce of homesickness, deep romantic entanglements, identity questions, and struggling to find his way in a new home.

Jaeckel also painted a vivid portrait of 1920/30s France and how it became this kind of haven or safe space for Black artists and creative to perform and share their art where they would have a more receptive crowd compared to the US at that time. Reading the story from Gerrard’s point of view you can really feel his passion for music and what he wants to convey through sharing his music with others. The novel talks about the powerful impact of music on others where is it from the artist’s standpoint.

The latter half of the book shifts to the perspective of two other closely linked characters and shows what’s been happening back at home while Gerard has been in Paris. The novel not only depicts a smooth shifting of the timeline but I also like how it really puts us the reader into each character’s shoes. Especially as they struggle through various obstacles and see how historical events impacts their lives. I love that this novel shows that music is the thing that ties everyone together. It shows how it’s passed through generations, has the power to heal, and how art as a whole can help you to express words unsaid.

Final Verdict: