The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian

This novel is the subject of our adult discussion group at the library this month, and I was looking forward to reading my first Bohjalian novel, after hearing great reviews of his writing.

He did not disappoint.

This novel is beautiful and lyrical, and is told from a number of different voices that interweave perfectly. The author interjects quotes from the experiences of the buffalo soldiers inside the modern-day story of a blended family, the struggle to belong, and the choices we make in our lives.

I came to cherish Alfred, the black foster boy taken in by Terry and Laura, a white couple in Vermont, as well as Laura and Alfred's "fairy godfather" Paul.

This is a beautiful novel.