Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal

 Circus of Wonders is set during 1860s when circus mania swept England. The story explores what it truly means to have control over your own life.

Growing up, Nell doesn’t understand why people are whispering around her. Her brother points to the birthmarks on her hand and says, “It’s these.” When she starts noticing more of it, the whispers, the mockery, she begins to isolate herself, choosing solitude.

Jasper Jupiter and his brother Toby dreamed of having their own show since a young age. Jasper always cared more for animals than people. And though things didn’t quite work out as originally planned between the brothers, Jasper owns a circus now and makes rounds to scabby villages. He dreams of striking it big in such city as London. When a man comes with an offer of selling his daughter, who, with her birthmarks could be used as “curiosity,” Jasper sees an opportunity despite his brother’s warning that “You’re better man than this.”

What Nell has been hiding her whole life, now is supposed to be the making of her. Wings made of metal lift her up in the air, sending her flying like butterfly. For the first time in her life, she feels alive. For the first time in her life, she sees that her past doesn’t have to be her future. She can actually make a future for herself. She could transform into anything.

The story is narrated through three voices: Nell, Toby, and Jasper. Those three captivating point of view continuously reveal something about themselves, making it easy for the reader to get attached. With their stories, these narrators weave mystery and intrigue, continuously building tension.

The characters are marvelous with their dimensions and thought process. I enjoyed Nell’s transformation, showing how empowering it is to be independent. And when her relationship with Toby develops, how she needs to make decision as to which path she wants to follow. I also enjoyed the transformation of quiet Toby who always lived in the shadow of his brother and his success which was supposed to be theirs, not just Jasper’s.

Set against the Victorian obsession with oddities and wonders, this richly imagined story of circus life explores what it offered to some who were looked upon as different. It’s a beautifully woven story of human transformation and how magnificent it is to have a choice, touchingly written with depth.

P.S. This author has one previous book – The Doll Factory, which I also highly recommend.

Release date: 1 February 2022

Source: Atria, Simon & Schuster 

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com