Circus of Wonders: The Dazzling Sunday Times Bestseller from the Author of The Doll Factory

The Victorian’s penchant for physical ‘curiosities’ in the form of ‘freak shows’ underlies this richly atmospheric and utterly beguiling second novel of Elizabeth Macneal which takes a deep dive into the world of the travelling circus. An immersive delight from start to finish with three well-drawn central characters, each of whose perspective the reader gets to hear, Circus of Wonders also covers some surprisingly relevant themes. As the narrative baton is handed between all three key players, giving unprecedented insight into their hopes, dreams and regrets, the reader is drawn into the delicate balance of power that connects their fates, making for a narrative of quite extraordinary tension. Opening in a southern coastal town in 1866, Nell eeks out a living making candied violets alongside her brother. Marked out by the constellations of birthmarks that speckle her skin, she is either shunned by the locals or seen as a bad omen and does her best to remain invisible. When Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders comes to town with its megalomaniacal showman determined to acquire a pitch and storm London, Nell’s father sells her for £20 and her life changes in the blink of an eye. Initially furious at being torn away from the only life she knows, Nell is swiftly embraced by the other acts including maternal Stella the bearded lady and befriended by Jasper’s shy and sensitive brother, Toby. Earning more money in a week than a year in her old life, Nell soon discovers that she has found a home in the troupe where her difference is something to be revered rather than derided and a source of opportunities. With avaricious Jasper on a quest to get an audience with Queen Victoria he demands that all his curiosities have a skill and conjures up elaborate backstories for them. Jasper’s brainchild sees Nell become the Queen of Moon and Stars soaring on the high trapeze and she so dazzles her audiences that she is soon dubbed the eighth wonder of the world. But with Nell’s renown spreading and the undisputed draw of Jasper’s circus he demands more from her as she threatens to eclipse him and brushes aside her obvious disinterest in an attempt to own her completely. But just as Nell knows she can no longer go back to being invisible and her old life, there is a limit to how much of her life she is willing to give. Infuriated by Nell’s growing agency and suspicious of her obvious affection for Toby, power-crazed Jasper is set on a collision course with destruction as he sets out on a bid to cement his reputation. Both brothers are scarred from their experiences during the Crimean War and alongside the historical background of their complex dynamic their time amid the battlefields is woven throughout the narrative. With Jasper seduced by fighting alongside his wealthy pal, Dash, and guilt-ridden Toby embroiled in providing photographs that attest to a falsely positive vision of life on the frontline, the death of Dash lies between them. Having lived firmly in his older brother’s shadow and been edged out of their shared dream of owning a circus, first by Dash and then simply by Jasper’s own insatiable appetite for control, Toby’s unswerving loyalty faces its ultimate test with the arrival of Nell. Whilst I loved Macneal’s exploration of themes including identity, power, fame, it was primarily the complex and well-drawn trio of characters and the sensuous prose that made this novel such a magnificent read.

In 1866 Nell lives a small, secluded life isolated in her small English village because she is different. Nell was born with birthmarks all over her body, making her a 'freak' to others. The Jasper Jupiter Circus arrives in town and her life suddenly changes. Nell is kidnapped and sold by her father into indentured servitude to perform in the circus to pay his debts. Jasper showcases Nell as the Leopard Girl and her act incorporates flying on the high wires. Her reputation sores as high as her body and local papers call her the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Though Nell feels betrayed by her father, being successful and finding her circus family shows Nell that she can have a new life where she truly belongs. As her stardom grows, it starts to outshine Jasper's popularity and fame leading to dangerous jealousy on his part that could make him act against her to retain the limelight. Meanwhile, Nell falls in love with Toby, Jasper's quiet unassuming brother but they have to keep their feelings from Jasper as he would not approve. As their love develops, can Toby separate himself from the ties that bind him to Jasper? Will Toby uncover what Jasper thinks of him and will their relationship ever be the same again? What will Jasper do out of desperation when he realises that his main act wants to leave his circus and will his actions turn fatal to those around him as he strives to retain his money and fame? 🌟🌟🌟🌟 This was an interesting look at ownership of others and how loyalty to those you feel indebted to can crush your sense of self. Nell's story was heart-breaking in parts as she felt discarded and lonely while her only wish was to belong somewhere and be loved though she was thwarted by the selfish whims of the men who control her. The pacing felt slow in the beginning but overall it was an intriguing and thought-provoking look at the exploitation of people classed as strange and unusual by a society that was fascinated by the 'odd and grotesque' when in fact it was the audience who was the ugly aspect in the situation.

Another absolutely amazing book from this author. Do yourself a favour and read this. I'm not going to spoil it, but I so hope there will be a sequel to this book. I need to know what happened after the end!! I also think the author would write a brilliant book based on the old music halls. Just an idea!! 😁

I enjoyed reading this. I wouldn't treat it as hard and fast historical fact (I suspect the life of most circus performers was much harder, especially for those who were human 'exhibits') but as a novel it's a fun read. It's what I would class as a holiday read, nothing cerebral just a quick, enjoyable read that's easy to put down and pick up again. Thanks for reading, I hope you find this review helpful.

Rating: 2.5/5 I find myself caught very much in two minds on this one. The story is set in Victorian England and revolves around three central characters: Jasper is the eponymous circus showman and owner of Jasper Jupiter's Circus of Wonders; his brother Toby, who is more physically imposing, but lacks Jasper's entrepreneurial flare and extrovert charm; and Nell, a young woman from a small village who feels ostracized from her local community as a result of the extensive birthmarks on her skin. The relationship between the two brothers is not always an easy one and there are elements in their shared history, both from childhood and from their time fighting in the Crimean War that feed into this tension. When Nell is purchased from her father by Jasper to become part of his circus, the strain on the relationship between the brothers is also increased. Elizabeth Macneal is a gifted writer and her descriptive writing can be extremely evocative. "Circus of Wonders" transports the reader back to a period when society and attitudes were very different to those of the 21st century. The author paints a vivid picture of that time and of the world of the travelling circus within it. Anyone who has seen the movie "The Greatest Showman" will make an immediate read-across and, indeed, P.T. Barnum is referenced several times in this novel, along with other contemporaries. In spite of this, I still found aspects of the novel disappointing. Although the story is set in the Victorian era I felt that the book failed to emulate certain dramatic elements that were such an integral part of much of Victorian literature. Many of the notable wordsmiths of the time had their work serialised. In the absence of television, their stories really were the serial dramas of their day. In order to keep readers coming back for the next instalment the writers needed to entice them with a cliffhanger at the end of each episode. Once collated into the format of a novel these undulations of expectancy were still evident. I feel that "Circus of Wonders" could have benefitted from a similar approach, as plot developments did feel a little flat at times. Overall, it is still a worthwhile read and highlights some significant social issues and attitudes of the time.

Upon my finishing Circus of Wonders this evening, a friend and I were discussing my thoughts on the book. She hit the nail on the head when she said that she "[loves] it when you pick up a book at the right exact time you need it." Indeed, I read Circus of Wonders on a spontaneous whim, and was quite blown away by the emotions it produced. Our main story is ushered along by a subplot; the metaphor of a supposedly 'happy family,' consisting of a wolf and a hare. The wolf and the hare come to live in the same cage, as a supposed ruse on Jasper's part. In truth, "The best part is there's no trick. [Jasper] will take a predator and its prey, and thrust them together when they're babies, scarcely weaned." Jasper muses that "it amazes him that he can suppress nature and instinct in this way." Interestingly, not only does this expose Jasper's 'god-complex' line of thought, but also, the question of "nature vs. nurture," which I have discussed many-a-time in past reviews. I loved the contrast between this book and the The Greatest Showman. The Greatest Showman revered and romanticised P.T Barnum. Conversely, Circus of Wonders highlights the exploitation and mistreatment of his acts. It genuinely irritates me when big moments in history are used as inspiration for writers, only for said history not to be factualized at the end/beginning of the book. I cannot tell you then, how refreshing it was to find an author's note dedicated to such facts at the end of Circus of Wonders. Elizabeth Macneal did her homework, people! And I am here for it! On a separate note, I've had The Doll Factory on my TBR for quite a while now. I hadn't managed to get around to it but, having seen that it was Macneal's debut novel (Circus of wonders being her second novel), it has just rocketed up my 'priority to read' list!

I was ultimately let down by the ending, but that's just personal preference. Otherwise, a two sit read from me. The author has a wonderful way of telling stories.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Elizabeth Macneal’s books. Her writing style is enjoyable and recognisable from book to book. However, I think this book stood out to me. The complexity of the characters and their relationships meant I was fully invested in all their emotion. The subject matter was so enthralling (though so sensitively used) I had to immediately research many of the historical facts Macneal had used within her book. This will be the book that I recommend to others and have already bought a copy to give to my mum on Mothers day!

In Circus of Wonders, Elizabeth Macneal transports the reader to 1860s London with her colorful imagery, vivid metaphorical descriptions, and depth of characterizations. It is not about the ending which makes this story so fantastical. It is all about the story, and it is not just a story—it is the stories within the story that matter—tales of longing, passion, and empowerment. Alternating between the perspectives of Nell, Toby, and Jasper, the novel focuses on Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders, whose performers are “human wonders,” that is to say, people with unique physical differences made into star attractions. Through the eyes of the heroine Nell, the “leopard girl” sold by her father to the circus, the novel explores ideas of acceptance, love, and family. As a girl, Nell isolated herself to avoid the glances, the pointing, and the pity from the townsfolk. In Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders, though objectified because of their outward appearances, the circus performers showed that they were talented, and Nell, with her “leopard spots,” became the star attraction as “Nellie Moon.” An intricate tale of exploitation, human dignity, and the right to self-determination, the story opened my eyes to the fascinating but disturbing world of circuses during the Victorian era. Richly imagined. A spectacular read!

Circus of wonders is beautifully written and each of the characters help to create the atmosphere of this tale. Nell is wonderful strong and understated. Macneals style of writing is so vivid and I enjoy the references to Frankenstein throughout. This will become a classic for me.

I collect books about circuses and with circus storylines. I enjoyed this story though I thought the ending was a little lame. Overall the book held my interest start to finish.

I was sorry when this book ended as you really get caught up in the lives of the main characters and their evolution. The book starts out slowly and builds into a poignant story of a group of misfits that find solace performing under the big top circus tent of the mid 1800's Great Britain, after living lives of outcasts in their small home towns as they are physically different from the 'norm'. Their lives delicately intertwine from the battlefield, to the back alleys of London to the glitz of the circus lights. I loved it!! The Doll Factory also was a great read...Ms Macneal is a gifted writer and I cannot wait till her next book comes out as she can string words with a deft touch and I can feel what her characters are feeling - she is a pure craftsman.

I couldn't read more than one hundred pages of the thing. The banality was too much. Furthermore, it felt as though author Elizabeth Macneal was just going through the motions.