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A review by leighsnerdlife
Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a brilliant book that explores the dark world of the PT Barnum era of 'freak' shows. Macneal has created a world both dark and glittering, showing both the brutality of the industry, as well as the hopes and dreams of the performers.
The story moves at a slow but steady clip, and is told through 3 different POVs. I've never hated a character before, but damn, I absolutely despised one of the them - kudos to Macneal for getting me that emotionally invested!
The story moves at a slow but steady clip, and is told through 3 different POVs. I've never hated a character before, but damn, I absolutely despised one of the them - kudos to Macneal for getting me that emotionally invested!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, and War