A review by okiecozyreader
Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin

challenging emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

Freya returns home when she realizes she can’t afford her current living conditions. Her parents left her their childhood home, which she finds occupied by her niece when she arrives. She has a difficult relationship with her sister, and finds returning hard for all the old wounds. 

This story alternates between a more present day and back to events that are triggered by memories. It takes place in the author’s hometown, which was the home of the first elephant in the Barnum and Bailey Circus. She contemplates how the elephant was treated in reports introducing sections of the book (that are written by Freya). 

If you have read Allison Larkin before, you will recognize her characters - the everyday, hardworking but unseen humans of daily life. As I was reading this one, I began to remember characters in her other book. I love how she features struggles in ordinary life and family relationships.

This video about her hometown is so helpful in understanding the Home of the American Circus:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKPGa_3ApMZ/?igsh=MWlxODhqeWxkbWd0Yg==

“I think they dated in high school, but I'm not sure I would have noticed. I catch myself wondering if Bee has the scoop on what happened, but it wouldn't be right to ask. That's the ultimate unfairness of small towns.
You become a character stitched from everyone else's version of the things that happened to you.” P250

“Kids don't need a life where nothing bad ever happens. What they need is someone who's there for them when the bad stuff happens.” P241

“She's acting so calm and logical, but I know even when you have logic on your side, if people are set on drowning you in shame, it's pretty hard to breathe.” P205
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