Circus of Wonders

1866

Nell was born and raised in a coastal village in southern England. Her family grows flowers for a living. It’s an ordinary job. Nell; however, is not ordinary. She has birthmarks that speckle her skin. While others in her village are pairing up and making lives, Nell stands apart – on her own, different.

One day, The Circus of Wonders arrives in their coastal village. Jasper Jupiter and his brother, Toby are the proprietors, and their circus is full of oddities, the exotic, and those who stand out from society. People gather around to see what the circus has to offer. Nell’s father goes to the circus as well, but it is to sell Nell to Jasper while his brother, Toby, tells him not to do it. But Jasper views Nell as his very own Leopard Girl and has dollar signs in his eyes. He is going to make Nell a star!

Poor Nell is taken and after the devastation and horror of being sold by her father wears off, Nell begins to feel that the circus might be the right place for her. She gains notoriety and friends, she feels a sense of belonging, she has an identity.

This was a highly original, unique, and engrossing novel. What does it mean to fit it? What does it mean to be accepted? What would you do for family? Where does your allegiance lay?

Wonder no more, Circus of Wonders was a wonderful book. I enjoyed the themes and Nell’s story. Jasper and Toby had stories to tell as well. Of course, Nell’s takes center stage.

Well written, well researched and well told.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.