Boy, Falling

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.

July 22, 2021 by Black Rose Writing

TBA

An outstanding blend of historical novel, family history, social inspection, and mystery that both continues the story begun in House of Rougeaux and stands nicely on its own. It's an evocative, compelling story of personal and social change.

--Midwest Book Review

Boy, Falling reads like a river, through time and across geography, sweeping us up in a story whose current is love, and not just romantic love—though there’s plenty of that, and heartache, and sorrow—but the life-sustaining love between friends and flowing through generations of family. It’s a beautiful novel, brimming with warmth, a pleasure to read.

--Anne Flemming, Author of Anomaly

Across three cities and generations, Jaeckel draws a vivid portrayal of family divisions and reunions, caught in the struggle between society's expectations and the transformative calling of art. A deeply moving and perceptive novel of remarkable breadth.

--Vanessa Winn, Author of The Chief Factor’s Daughter

Captivating! A timeless journey of hardship and perseverance that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the last page. A must read!

-- Kat Flannery, author of The Branded Trilogy

Both lyrical and stirring, Boy, Falling is a richly layered narrative that celebrates family, origins, and the beauty of the authentic self. Jaeckel gets to the heart of what it means to be human and reminds the reader that every one of us is worthy of finding true happiness.

—Christina Consolino, Author of Rewrite the Stars