“A brilliant fever dream of a novel, a haunting coming of age story reminiscent of both Franz Kafka and Charles Dickens.”
~ Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Jackal’s Mistress
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 yearslong 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?
Following 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.
Writing Interview Questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
I wanted the story to be set in an era that was undergoing great change. The Great Depression in the U.S. brought a number of changes, including the loosening of some restrictions, but also the onset of hopelessness and hardship.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
Parts of it are so familiar (dust bowls, etc.) that it becomes almost a caricature of itself. I tried to dig deeper, into the experiences of African-Americans and the sideshows that form a large part of the book. It was harder than I expected to get a fix on language at the time, and I was surprised to learn that in sideshows, the audience expected some level of fakery.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
Johnny falls into and out of love, or maybe he was never out of it to begin with.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Smart, resilient, vulnerable
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Researching the sometimes sad stories of people treated unfairly because they were different.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
I changed the ending, not drastically, but it came to me as I wrote the book that it should end a little differently.
What are you currently working on?
I have another historical fiction novel based on an absolutely fantastic true story, but I’m superstitious about talking about it. You’ll have to wait and see!
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
Keep at it. Trust your gut. Trust the work.
Personal Interview Questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Travel, exercise, read
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A lawyer (and I am one!)
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
Leftovers, because I went and spoke at a book club meeting. I’d prefer fresh fish, grilled
What would be a perfect day?
Traveling and hanging out with the people I love
What is the best part of your day?
Waking before everyone else and writing
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Hot or cold: Hot!
Movie or book: Book
Morning person or Night owl: Morning
City or country: Both, on this one
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: Paperback
Mark Mustian is the author of the novels "The Return" and "The Gendarme," the latter a finalist for the Dayton International Literary Peace Prize and shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing. It won the Florida Gold Book Award for Fiction and has been published in ten languages.
The founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, his new novel, "Boy With Wings," is out in 2025.
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