The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush
When 12-year-old Leonard insists on burying his amputated leg with a full-blown funeral, it starts a chain of events that eventually engulfs more than just his family in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Believing that Leonard could bury their pain and secrets as he had buried his leg, people from near and far begin knocking on his door. At first it’s all hush-hush, but secrets are hard to keep in a small town.
The story is told from four points of view, including Leonard, his religious mother, his unable-to-shake-the-past father, and his friend Azalea, whose mother is considered the town prostitute. It’s an insightful, empathetic, and humorous portrayal of a boy, his parents, and his friend each doing their best in a complex situation.
I grew up in East Tennessee in the 1960s. In my opinion, the author’s portrayal of the people and culture is spot-on, especially how a judgmental religion permeates everything. This novel would make a good book club title. By using four points of view, the author provides fodder for discussion about superstition, faith, the past, redemption, and how best to live now.
