Gritty. That’s the first word that comes to mind after reading this book. The author really doesn’t hold back in describing the chaotic lifestyle of 1930s circus folk, and the story is really better for it. The characters are raw in their emotion, and experience a series of events that both compound and contribute to their evolving story.
Having really not known much about circus life in general before reading this book, I was immediately compelled by the harshness and extreme difference from our current lifestyle. The author does a good job of discussing the trials and experiences of this life, without belabouring too much on the finer details and foreign jargon.
The story transitions easily between an elderly man in a nursing home and his memories of days gone by, but sometimes you’ll find yourself hurrying the author along to get back to the action. Ultimately, this story is one of love and relationships, but also of a coming of age and the development (for better or worse) of both a man and the society that he is a part of.
Great read, highly recommended for grade 11 and 12 university level students. Some concern for language and sexual content.
4 flying trapeezes out of 5.
