This novel has its enchanting moments but is largely another in the overcrowded field of navel-gazing boy grows up in the 1950s, in this case with a father he never knew and thus makes mysteries about to make himself feel special. He was good with music, but hated hockey and felt different from his peers. The moments of musical fervor have life and passion, and serve as therapeutic integration of his daydreams about his father or his fears about the past. The musings about whether any of his parents of grandparents were Communist spies are entertaining in their historical relevance to a North America that saw 'Reds' under the beds. The letters from his father - theoretically his father's ghost - add a welcome touch of whimsy, a greater sense of character than.any of the living characters impart to the narrative.

Like many such in this genre, this boy doesn't sound like a real boy but a memory-construct from later life, infusing a greater sense of control and forethought to actions that were more likely impulsive and undertaken with far less self-awareness in actual childhood. Some sections lend themselves to metaphors and/or similes too advanced for the narrator's purported age. Robert's childhood retelling is episodic, a bit hard to follow as it skips between oil towns in Alberta and Saskatchewan, between Mom and the stepfather, and back to the grandparents. Time skips a bit too, as when the memory of grandmother's funeral is erased from a later chapter.

Not a book for everyone, but a guaranteed comfort read for those who enjoy prairie-based tales steeped in nostalgia for a 1950s childhood...even one that was dissatisfying to the narrator most of the time.

I found this had a bit of a slow start in pulling me in. Robert is quite young at the beginning so his voice is quite juvenile to start. As he began to come of age his voice became more sure and less juvenile, his ruminations became more serious and less childlike, and I became more invested in his story. Robert's character sees a lot of personal growth throughout.

Set primarily in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, Robert moves around a fair amount growing up. I love when Canadian locations are used in books, it's the small things that one can relate to that give an extra connection to the characters. Unfortunately many Canadian authors need to use US locations for publication and marketability reasons, thankfully it does seem as though progress is being made in regards to this.

Two quotes I particularly enjoyed are:

"It bugs me that the world is so dominated by men. Makes me feel protective of my mother, and a little ashamed of being a man. Since the beginning of the trip, I'm beginning to develop a new understand-ing and respect for her. I can see what her need for independence had cost her and admire her bravery".

"The music sang from the first moment she started to play. Robert assumed his role, supporting her freedom with the clarity of rhythm and subdued legato, nothing fancy, emotional, or even an attempt at musicality. He was the river, barely stirring, sustaining her journey. She was the voice of the bird gliding along the surface, delicate and completely absorbed. She had elegance, the nobility of her stature containing the certainty of her sadness." 🎶

Thank-you @netgalley and the Literary Press Group of Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Arc Review The Boy Who Was Saved by Jazz by Tom Bentley-Fisher
Publication Date: May 1/25


Robert lost his father before he was born, and was quickly abandoned by his young mother to be raised by his grandparents in rural Saskatchewan. A quirky and poignant coming of age story, chronicling Robert’s search to uncover information about who his father was, his death and his father’s family.

Narrated by Robert himself, the story begins with a naive boyish voice that gradually deepens in insight and depth as he grows older. Bentley-Fisher perfectly captures the emotional turbulence of adolescence as Robert grapples with his feelings of loss and abandonment, his longing for connection and belonging; and his exploration of his bisexuality all within a complex new family configuration.

Robert is a gifted pianist, and music becomes a central, almost living character in the novel. Through music, he feels seen and heard, the power of music to match his volatile emotions, and the power of expressing these feelings through playing the piano. It becomes both an emotional outlet and a bridge to connection - helping his bond with others and begin to see a possible identity and potential future.

This is a unique beautifully crafted story about identity and the many forces that shape it. It is the journey of a mother and son, each moving through grief, loss and secrets, searching for a path back to one another.

It is a story of abandonment and redemption, sorrow and healing, and the lingering presence of his ghostly father. The quiet courage it takes to be fully seen, and to learn to appreciate what you have not what is missing. This unique storytelling style will captivate and charm you and will stay with you after you put it down.

The Boy Who Was Saved by Jazz is a stunning piece of literary fiction with an intriguing storyline that pulled me in right away. It’s a beautifully messy, realistic coming-of-age story where the main character finds himself — and his identity — through the power of music.

The novel dives deep into family discoveries, complex relationships, and hidden histories, all while exploring bisexuality and introducing me to Métis culture, which I had never heard of before. The writing feels honest and raw, and the emotional journey stayed with me long after I finished.

A truly moving read.

This title will be left lingering on the reader even after you finish. The characters are vastly motivated and the paternal ties are evident in every decision made. What a beautiful coming to age story, one that makes you look around at the things and people that make you belong.

What a unique story. Tom Bentley-Fisher is a wonderful storyteller and I can't wait to read more of his in the future. You will find yourself thinking about these characters long after you finish it. Highly recommend!!