Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/01/2021 *Starred Review* Equal parts Western, ghost story, and mystery, Palacio’s first novel outside of the Wonder universe presents the fantastical yet utterly believable tale of a 12-year-old boy’s search for his kidnapped father. Silas, along with his invisible-to-others companion (Mittenwool) and a single-minded pony, journey together through a scary wood to save Silas’ father from a gang of counterfeiters. Along the way, they partner with a cantankerous U.S. Marshall, who is also hot on the trail of the nefarious baddies. The soul of this rip-roaring adventure lies in the author’s ability to draw significant connections and relationships among characters, between the past and the present, and with lost and displaced souls and their people. This metaphysical juxtaposition works all the way to the surprising final revelation. In addition to the writing, the amount of thought given to the physical presentation of the book is remarkable. Chapter frontispieces are daguerreotypes and ambrotypes of American Civil War–era portraits. These are juxtaposed with contemporaneous quotations and the haunting lyrics of bygone songs that set a definite mood. Attention to detail extends even to the typefaces used, capturing the period feel. The author’s note is wonderfully informative, explaining processes and histories. Pony illustrates Palacio’s range as an author, with this tale being distinctly different from Wonder (2012) yet sharing movingly captured central themes of heart, family, and overcoming challenges. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Wonder has become a modern classic; everyone will want to see what else Palacio can do. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.