Circus of Wonders is a novel by bestselling author Elizabeth Macneal, published in 2021.
Elizabeth Macneal is the author of the popular historical fiction novel, The Doll Factory. Both The Doll Factory and Circus of Wonders were Sunday Times bestsellers.
I love stories based around old fashioned circuses as there’s something so magical and mysterious about them. Therefore, Circus Of Wonders held an instant appeal to me.
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Plot
Set in Victorian England, Nell is a local village girl with birthmarks covering her skin. She loves swimming in the ocean and has a devotion to her protective big brother. Jasper, meanwhile, is an ambitious circus owner and showman who is desperate to reach the heady heights of P. T Barnum. Jasper’s devoted younger brother is a quieter, gentler soul who constantly seeks his brother’s affection and approval. We read the story from all three character’s perspectives.
After her father sells her to Jasper to become his very own “leopard girl”, Nell’s whole world changes. Without being given a choice, her new life now revolves around Jasper Juniper’s Circus of Wonder. But despite this ultimate betrayal, Nell starts to flourish. No longer something to be ridiculed, Nell becomes something to be admired. Emboldened and empowered by her performances, she starts to believe that the circus is the best thing to ever happen to her. She has friends and the potential of a blossoming romance with Jasper’s brother Toby.
Yet when you’re treated as a commodity, something to be sold and owned, can you ever really be free? What happens when your fame starts to eclipse that of the supposed star attraction, Jasper. He has the power to make you, but does he also have the power to break you?
Circus Of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal: My Opinion
Elizabeth Macneal’s descriptive prose instantly transports the readers to Victorian England. I could clearly visualise the colours, the sounds and the smells of circus life. I enjoyed the three different perspectives, and despite being deeply unpleasant, I particularly enjoyed Jasper’s viewpoint. It was a glimpse into the mind of an ambitious and often ruthless man. However, I loved how Macneal didn’t just make him a pantomime villain. He was a nuanced and complicated character.
The relationship between Nell and Toby was endearing and I found myself willing them to take a risk on happiness. We learn a lot about Toby and Jasper’s personalities through the Crimean flashbacks. The hops back in time added real depth to the character’s temperaments, without confusing the reader.
I loved Nell. She was a likeable, relatable protagonist and I really enjoyed watching her confidence grow. Her friendships with her fellow “wonders”, especially with bearded lady Stella, were particularly touching.
I loved escaping into a world of mystery and intrigue and felt disappointed to finish the book despite what I felt was a satisfying ending.
What should I read after Circus of Wonders?
If you enjoyed Circus of Wonders, I’d also suggest The Doll Factory, also written by Elizabeth Macneal. I’d also recommend The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.