Review - Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal

 

 

 Title: Circus of Wonders

Author: Elizabeth Macneal

Pages: 304

Publisher: Picador

Release Date: 13th May 2021

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Set in a spectacular circus in the pleasure gardens of Victorian London, this is an addictive novel about power, fame, and a love that is threatened by a terrible secret.

1866. In a coastal village in southern England, Nell lives set apart by her community because of the birthmarks that speckle her skin.

But when Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in the village, Nell is kidnapped. Her father has sold her, promising Jasper Jupiter his very own leopard girl. It is the greatest betrayal of Nell's life, but as her fame grows, and she finds friendship with the other performers and Jasper’s gentle brother Toby, she begins to wonder if joining the show is the best thing that has ever happened to her.

In London, newspapers describe Nell as the eighth wonder of the world. Figurines are cast in her image, and crowds rush to watch her soar through the air. But what happens when her fame eclipses Jasper's own? And as she falls in love with Toby, can he detach himself from his past and the terrible secret that binds him to his brother?

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My Review:

 *I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley*

Nell lives in a small village in Victorian England. Her skin is covered in birthmarks, which has resulted in Nell being an outsider all her life.

Nell's life changes forever when a circus comes to the village and her father sells her to Jasper Jupiter, the owner and showman.

Nell makes a life for herself as part of Jasper's Circus of Wonders, becoming friends with the other performers and growing close with Jasper's brother, Toby.

Will Jasper feel threatened by Nell's rising fame?

When I heard that this book was about a circus and set in the Victorian era, I immediately wanted to read it.

There were three main characters: Nell, who had been made to feel other until she became part of the circus because of her birthmarks; Jasper, who was the ambitious owner and showman of the circus; and Toby, Jasper's brother. I felt sorry for both Nell and Toby, but it was Stella, one of the performers, who was my favourite character.

The relationship between the brothers Jasper and Toby was a big focus of the book, and I did find it interesting. They were very different people, but they cared for each other deeply.

The setting was interesting, but it wasn't explored much as the circus was the main focus.

The plot was good overall, but not much really happened. However, this was more of a character-driven book than a plot-driven one, so I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd had a better connection with the characters, but I didn't feel very invested in them or what was happening.

The writing style was easy to follow, but it wasn't one that hooked my attention.

I am a little bit disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more, but I did like it overall.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.