“Boy of Heaven” by Morris Hoffman

Boy of Heaven

Morris Hoffman
Resource Publications (2025)
ISBN: 979-8385245789
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Reader Views (06/2025)

Boy of Heaven by Morris Hoffman is a luminous Catholic novella filled with mystery, faith, and miracles. Set in 17th-century Italy, a ten-year-old orphan boy who is helping with construction at a priory discovers a mystical painting on the kitchen wall, attached to the stable where he stays. With the help of the horses in the stable, this gifted boy can see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper fully illuminated, but missing a key part that was removed years ago. He immediately befriends the horses who accompany him in the stable, and calls them stars, each one being named after a constellation.

It appears that this young child has been given direction from heaven to restore this painting and to enlighten all those around him. The Prior understands the significance of the boy’s insights and special abilities, and he does everything in his power to protect him and encourage his gifts. Two caring brothers help as well.  A humble mule, which all believe is ignorant, plays a key role in helping the boy fulfill his destiny.

Although the young boy is often cold and hungry, he has deep compassion and empathy for animals and homeless orphans less fortunate than he. He also possesses a wisdom well beyond his years. This endearing young boy often enlightens and teaches all the adults around him. The image on the wall appears clearer and more vibrant when the horses in the stable are present, and these special horses are an endless source of comfort and unwavering support to this young orphan boy. 

This poignant story illustrates how miracles abound in the everyday and in unexpected places. Beauty and wonder can be found in a cold, dark stable by an exhausted young orphan boy. The horses and the boy share a deep bond and take care of one another. The Prior courageously takes risks in helping the boy and must deal with rumors and false accusations. As this mystery unfolds, the Prior, the boy, the brothers, and the horses learn that they may have more allies than previously thought.

Boy of Heaven is thought-provoking in many ways; the humble and endearing boy possesses an innate sense of right and wrong, even more so than most of the elders of the church. It would have been easy and very understandable for the Prior to not believe in the young boy, yet he did so against all rational thought.

Readers of historical fiction will enjoy this inspirational story that seamlessly weaves the difficult realities of life in the 1600s and the Inquisition with fascinating and unexplainable events. This inspiring novella encourages the reader to ponder and consider what may be possible.  Morris Hoffman’s Boy of Heaven is a highly recommended read.