Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books / Simon and Schuster Audio
Published: February 1, 2022
Source: Print – ARC Paperback via Atria / ALC via Simon and Schuster Audio
Summary:
From the #1 internationally bestselling author of the “lush, evocative Gothic” (The New York Times Book Review) The Doll Factory comes an atmospheric and spectacular novel where one woman’s life is transformed by the arrival of a Victorian circus of wonders…
Step up, step up! In 1860s England, circus mania is sweeping the nation. Crowds jostle for a glimpse of the lion-tamers, the dazzling trapeze artists and, most thrilling of all, the so-called “human wonders.”
When Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders pitches its tent in a poor coastal town, the life of one young girl changes forever. Sold to the ringmaster as a “leopard girl” because of the birthmarks that cover her body, Nell is utterly devastated. But as she grows close to the other performers, she finds herself enchanted by the glittering freedom of the circus, and by her own role as the Queen of the Moon and Stars.
Before long, Nell’s fame spreads across the world—and with it, a chance for Jasper Jupiter to grow his own name and fortune. But what happens when her fame begins to eclipse his own, when even Jasper’s loyal brother Toby becomes captivated by Nell? No longer the quiet flower-picker, Nell knows her own place in the world, and she will fight for it.
A gorgeously wrought exploration of celebrity, power and belonging, this is a historical novel unlike any other, with an unforgettable heroine at its heart.
My thoughts:
I loved Elizabeth Mcneal’s debut novel, The Doll Factory, and have been eagerly awaiting her next novel. As soon as I saw this one was coming out, I requested it…and I cannot recommend it enough. There is just something so magical and appealing about this author’s writing and she has definitely become a must-read author for me.
Once again, we have a stunning cover that just draws you in. I have to say this is what originally drew me to this book and then I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it. I love books set in Victorian London and I felt that the author really does a great job with the sense of place and time. Having been to a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium Museum and a few Barnum and Bailey Circus performances, I felt I could appreciate the excitement that comes when this traveling circus would appear in a new town.
I also loved the darkness that this book had. I think it was quite fitting for the time period and the author really takes that into account. The main focus of this story is more behind the scenes of the circus itself and that was fine. The writing is such that I was completely immersed in the story and the surroundings. I felt like that I right there with the characters, at the trailers.
The story is narrated by three narrators and each one is quite complex in their own right. I found myself quite captivated by their stories. They each have their own progression that makes for such a compelling read. Nell has spent most of her life in the shadows because of her birthmarks and once she realizes her beauty and strength, she really comes into her own, especially with Toby’s help. Toby, used to living in his brother’s shadow, is finally ready to take steps to stand on his own. Alongside Nell, they find a strength in each other that is just remarkable. Jasper motivated by greed and ambition, is determined to be the best showman, no matter the cost.
This book starts off a little slow, but once it grabs you it doesn’t let up. I found myself completely invested in these characters and how we learned a little more about them over the course of the book – things are slowly revealed, creating a sense of intrigue to keep you reading. There is a sense of magic that comes from the atmosphere of the circus itself and it helps to create a sense of wonder throughout. Woven in are themes of acceptance and strength and I think the author does this smartly and beautifully.
This was such a fantastic story and I’m already counting the days until I can get my hands on the next Elizabeth Macneal book…she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
Audio thoughts:
This story translated really well onto audio and the narrator, Tuppence Middleton, who is new to me, did such a great job bringing the story to life. This is one of those books where I did not want the story to end and I found myself not speeding up the audio because I just wanted to extend my time with the characters. The pacing and intonation was spot on and I really enjoyed this one!
