The fictional Bonhomie, Ohio, where Patrick Ryan’s new novel, “Buckeye,” is set, will be familiar to anyone who grew up in a small town.

Children ride their bikes freely. Mom-and-pop stores thrive. And sooner or later, everyone crosses paths with each other.

That sense of closeness is charming — until you have a secret to hide. Such is the case with the two couples at the center of Ryan’s sweeping saga. Cal Jenkins is born with one leg two inches shorter than the other and, thus, is unable to fight in the war. His wife, Becky, is a seer who can bridge the human and spirit worlds for those mourning their lost loved ones. Across town, Margaret is married to Felix Salt. But he doesn’t know she grew up an orphan. She doesn’t know he’s a closeted gay man.

As the years pass and the secrets deepen and unspool, Ryan takes readers on a journey to another era, where nostalgia can’t hide the pain of unrequited love and the devastating effects of war.

Guest:

• Patrick Ryan is the editor in chief of the monthly literary journal, One Story. His new novel is “Buckeye.”

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