I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of Circus of Wonders and it did not disappoint. From the best selling author of The Doll Factory comes this second spellbinding novel.

1866, Nell, set apart from the community by her speckled skin, is sold by her father to Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders. Jasper’s brother Toby, a gentle soul but guarding a terrible secret that binds him to his brother, quickly falls in love with Nell, and begins to question his devotion to his brother’s dreams and behaviour.

Follow Nell, Toby, and Jasper, each with their own desires, secrets, and yearnings, as Nell soars to success but the world as they know it falls from beneath them.

This is a story about power, ownership, fame, and the threat of invisibility. Beautifully crafted and written, I was consumed by this book and it’s characters. Another great novel from Macneal and I can’t wait for its publication later this year!

An author I’ve not tried before so I was excited to be given a chance to read this book! It was spellvounding and had me hooked immediately, I loved Nell and wanted so much happiness for her Toby and Pearl. A very interesting storyline touching on subjects I knew and really didn’t! Will definitely read her other novel.

I was the tiniest bit trepidatious about reading this book because I absolutely adored ‘The Doll Factory’ and wondered whether it was possible to strike gold for a second time. However, I needn’t have worried because this book is entirely brilliant. I actually finished reading it a week ago but it posed such interesting questions that I wanted to mull it over for a few days before posting a review.

The story, like it’s predecessor, is very original and compelling throughout. The sub plot was eked out beautifully too. Feminism was an issue that was discussed a few times, but for once it was done in a subtle way that didn’t make me feel as though the author was bludgeoning me over the head! As a parent of a child with autism, I also connected very deeply with the idea of difference. When it comes down to it, the author is plain and simply a really fantastic writer. One of the metaphors has firmly lodged itself in my brain and the use of personification is gorgeous.

Another absolute triumph. I recommend, nay insist, that everyone reads it!

Lived up to all my expectations. This is exquisitely written and stands head and shoulders above so many of the other novels I have read and reviewed in recent months. A cocophany of visual delight and a totally absorbing storyline - this is a book I will be talking about and recommending for a very long time.

Circus of Wonders follows Jasper, Toby, and Nell through the world of the Victorian circus. It was this premise that attracted me to the book but it just didn’t work for me. My greatest issue was that I did not gel with the writing. I could see no reason for it to be told in the present tense. I’ve always felt you have to earn the present tense and just having flashbacks is not a sufficient justification for me. The descriptive language also seemed over done to me: each passage of description could have had one fewer detail. There were too many similes and metaphors, and I think they lost their power: the really important and striking images that Macneal creates are buried.

A few of the historical details could have been stronger – without the mentions of the Crimea and PT Barnum I would have great difficulty identifying when it took place. We don’t see, for instance, much of the shock Nell would have experience from being completely covered (and likely corseted) to her performing costume and its freedom.

I enjoyed the overall story and the climax in particular was well done. The scenes in the Crimea were particularly intriguing and could have made an interesting novel on their own. I’m not entirely sure the ending was deserved, though. It digs deep into its feminist message, but the novel doesn’t spend enough time with the other female characters (Brunette, Peggy, Stella etc.) for us to see how they have felt being owned or displayed most of their lives. One other viewpoint, or perhaps more focus on Nell’s developing sisterhood rather than her relationship with Toby, would have made this much more satisfying.

All that said, if you love stories about circuses (and this does seem to be a genre in itself now), you will probably enjoy this novel.

Circus of Wonders is a stunning depiction of circus life, battling with difference and acceptance, and the fragility of love and loyalty.

Nell is a woman I championed throughout, even when she was making mistakes. Her humanity against those who want to cast her as "other" shines through. The relationship she has with Toby made me want so much for them. You'll see why when you read this.

I absolutely loved The Doll Factory. It's a novel often think of. When an author has a second novel to write it can be daunting, particularly when your debut has been so successful. Circus of Wonders is a triumph of a second novel.

Elizabeth MacNeal has shown in both her novels a talent for evocative description and rich charaterisation. I am a complete and utter fan after reading this second novel. Just brilliant.

Having read ‘The Doll Factory’, I eagerly pleaded to read this. .

I always enjoy this genre of novel and this kept up to my standards. Also, being set in the Victorian era and an avid enthusiast of the time, this story has quickly become one of my favourites.

There are three perspectives we follow and I think the author has done this structurally to encapsulate the power struggle between men and women during this era and how the same story can be viewed so very differently from three characters.

Nell’s voice resonated with me. A girl of her time; bullied for looking different and not fitting in and trying to rebel against social standards, is sold by her own father to the circus. We see her grow and become comfortable in her own skin.

Toby - the younger brother. He annoyed me somewhat for his weak nature and I was constantly pushing him to be strong. A good choice of character by the author nevertheless as he showcased again, the volatile nature of society during the Victorian times. In the circus industry, the will to succeed, earn money and fame. Toby’s character defied all this, he just wanted a home for his love, Nell. A life. But he struggled with his identity throughout the novel and that was quite sad to read as he only had his brother to compare life to.

And so by contrast we have Jasper. Arrogant, egotistical, little man child. Infuriating! He really got under my skin and every time I encountered his chapter, I dreaded it because I knew how much he’d bother me. And he did! Typical fame chasing breed of a man who would crush anyone to get to the top. We see the effects of his greed and selfishness unravel slowly throughout and this kept me hooked. I wanted to see him fail.

We have flashbacks and back stories. We have history entwined in the story. We also meet some wonderfully bizarre characters. It is the greatest showman but in so much depth.

This author is becoming one of my favourites and I cannot wait for the next story.

I should declare that I only managed to read about a third of this novel as, for me, the present tense, third person narration felt a little too impersonal and just wasn't holding my interest. It's a shame, because the story of a young woman being sold off to the circus by her father because of her physical markings should have been more compelling. Nonetheless, there's lots of well-researched detail in the novel making it a fascinating journey into a callous and macabre Victorian world. Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is way outside my comfort zone and author, Elizabeth Macneal is unknown to me. Circus of Wonders is set in 1866, an uncomfortable read at times with very vivid descriptions of life in 1866's. It's well written and researched. I found it shocking in parts and continued reading only out of curiosity. On completion of the book, I was unsettled for what reason, I am unsure. Is this a good thing?

The chapters are written from the perspective of the three main characters, Jasper, Toby and Nell and I cannot relate to any of the characters. I found Jasper vulgar, arrogant and opinionated. For me, Nell has been shaped by events, since birth, in her life in 1866 and beyond. Toby, I found a belittled character by his older brother, Jasper.

I give a 3 star rating because this novel reminds me that we all have a different goal when reading a chosen book.

I WANT TO THANK NERGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF READING AN ADVANCED COPY OF THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

I'm not normally a reader of historical fiction such as "Circus of Wonders", although I had read the author's previous book, "The Doll Factory" and thoroughly enjoyed that. I have to say that I think this one was even better and may convert me to this genre. Elizabeth Macneal transports you to Victorian England and the world of circus curios so completely that you become totally immersed in the atmosphere of those times. It was a beautifully written book and I loved it, although I found the ending a little less satisfactory than I would have liked. Highly recommended.

This is the story of Nell, a young girl covered in birth marks, whose father thinks that she is a bad omen and sells her to the circus as a living curiosity. It is a beautifully written book, which is skilfully crafted to allow the reader to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Nell’s life. However, it is more than just a book about a ‘curiosity’, it is a book about love, heartbreak, jealousy, ambition, the strength of friendship and what it is to be different.

Nell is a wonderful character, who overcomes adversity and uses her difference to make a life for herself. I admired her courage and her confidence, although like most of us the bravado hides the sadness difference can bring. As the mother of a disabled child, I could empathise which her desire to shirk from the all to familiar stares, but was delighted that she learned to use that difference to create a world for herself. However, it was still tinged with a sadness that it was as a curiosity and not because of her skill, grace and beauty.

Elizabeth MacNeal writes beautifully, she evokes a sense of place and time, and her books are a delight to read. They are also a feast for your senses and I felt that I was also sitting in the front row of the circus, amongst the sounds, sights and smells.

Her characters are a joy, the women in particular are strong and courageous, despite the struggle they face every day because of their appearance. It reminds the reader that appearance is only skin deep and that what is inside a person is far more important.

The book also looks at the destructive nature of ambition and how it can destroy lives. It looks at how people can, and sadly still are, treated as commodities, and that money does not buy you humanity, good taste or kindness.

I really loved this book, and I was genuinely sad when it ended, Nell is a wonderful character, and whilst there is hope and success, there is also tragedy and it was able to make me feel both joy and sadness.

Thank you to PanMacmillan and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Set in 1866, this is the story of Nell, a girl covered in birthmarks and two brothers, Jasper and Toby. The story is told through the shifting perspectives of each of the three characters. Nell is sold by her father to Jasper for display in his circus. Having spent all her life hiding away from people, Nell finds her new life very liberating. Nell begins a relationship with Toby but this and her growing success causes tension with Jasper. Set against Nell's personal journey is the slowly revealed story of Jasper and Toby's experiences in the Crimean War. There is an underlying sense of threat as the characters lives seem poised on a knife edge.
This is a story of belonging, difference and acceptance. It is also about love and connection. Beautifully written, the hardships of the historical period are vividly brought to life. As the characters try to frame a new narrative for their lives the story becomes more and more poignant.
A well-crafted and emotional read.

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 from Nell, Jasper and Toby as it gave an interesting insight into each character's personality. Nell is a really likeable, relatable protagonist and I really enjoyed watching her confidence grow.

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.

You can find my full review at https://mmbbookblog.com/the-circus-of-wonders-review-elizabeth-macneal/

This was an immersive and captivating tale of a Victorian circus and the lives of those living in it, with a lingering eerie sort of atmosphere.

"She's a bad omen, and I said it the day she was born."

When Nell's father sells her to the circus, she realises this could be a chance to take control of her life. She can be powerful, "the eighth wonder of the world" instead of the village freak with the birth marks speckled across her body. I won't attempt to rehash the summary more than that - for once I think the description given with this book does the story justice!

"A life of being both intensely visible and unseen."

There are powerful themes woven throughout Circus of Wonders: the fascination and disgust directed towards those who are different and viewed as "ugly", the desperate need to belong and be loved, the desire for recognition and power above all else, and the realisation that love alone is not enough.

There is no magical realism or fantasy in this book, and yet the writing brought the feel of it anyway. It was the same wonder and magic I imagine the audience of the circus might have felt. It's a testament to the writing that this feeling persisted despite the book peeling back the circus curtain and showing the dirt, cruelty, and sweat behind the scenes.

I deeply appreciated that whilst the society within this book treated the circus people with fascination, disgust, and even fear (accurate to the era in which it is set), the tone of the book itself did not. Instead Elizabeth Macneal gave us real, flawed, and complex characters. They came alive reading this, and I almost forgot that they weren't actual people. There were people I despised but understood, as well as those who weren't good people but I liked anyway - there was rarely a dichotomy between good and bad: the lines were blurred.

I really loved reading this book, and it is just shy of 5 stars because for some reason that I cannot place, I didn't finish it and go "wow".

*Thanks to netgalley and picador for a free eARC in exchange for this honest review.

Out May 13th, 2021.

Not having read ‘The Doll’s House’ – it is on my shelf and I will do so now immediately, I didn’t realise what a treat was in store by reading ‘Circus of Wonders’.
A magical book, at the heart of which, Nell, born with skin covered in birthmarks is sold by her father and ends up performing at a circus run by Jasper Jupiter and his brother Toby.
We are given an engaging look at both the wonders of the circus and its dark underbelly and this is reflected in Toby’s account of his exploits at the Crimea, where battles were often watched by spectators. The viewers’ appetites for watching macabre things in this period is beautifully drawn by Macneal.
My thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for a review copy of this excellent book.

If you loved Elizabeth Macneal’s debut, The Doll Factory, which I did, you will absolutely adore this utterly captivating, meticulously researched second book which I think is even better.
Richly detailed, it’s the tale of Nell, a young woman whose skin is peppered with birth marks, living in a coastal village and ostracised by the villagers because of her ‘difference’.
When her father sells her to a travelling circus, the series of events which follow and the sheer skill of Elizabeth Macneal’s storytelling, (not one word is superfluous to the narrative) keeps the reader enthralled to the very last page. This is a powerful novel and the author certainly doesn’t shy away from including the squalor of life in Victorian England or the horrors of the Crimea war. The author draws a particularly interesting parallel between onlookers watching a battle unfold on the field of war and the spectators watching the circus acts.
Every character, as well as the three main ones, Nell, Jasper and Toby, is fully imagined and so carefully drawn, they feel immensely real and will linger in this reader’s mind long after reading.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It really is one of the best books I have ever read and I feel truly privileged to have been given the opportunity to read it before publication.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC, this is my honest review.

I loved this novel which had that rare power of completely transporting me into the 19th century and into Nell’s life. I read this in one sitting barely coming up for breath as I raced through it. Elizabeth Macneal is so skilful in every way, her ability to set the physical scene from the battles at Balaklava to a British coastal beach with a boulder for diving off, to London’s pleasure gardens all of them totally three dimensional and as vivid as a modern day photograph. Though having mentioned photographs, I could see all of Toby’s in my minds eye too. Into these wonderful scenes, teeming with life and activity she places these incredible characters, Nell a 19th century feminist in the making, gentle Toby with his secret garden, and the desperate, visionary and eventually unhinged Jasper.
I loved watching Nell grow as a person but the ending wasn’t what I hoped for, and good because real life isn’t about giving other people the ending they want. Nell got the ending she wanted and that is just right.
The epilogue was heartbreaking but also heartwarming; I laughed out loud when I read what Pearl’s act was!
This is a story about family and what those familial ties mean and whether your family is who you are related to by blood or who you choose. It is a story of love and the power of love to inspire, encourage, support and to wound sometimes deeply. It is also the story of power, who has it, how they wield it and what the results of that power has on the lives of other people.
I have the authors other novel on my Kindle so excuse me while I go and immerse myself in that one!

I loved Elizabeth Macneal’s first novel and boy do I love,love,love this one too! Once again this author has me hooked by the characters and the evocative nature of her descriptions of the circus and the era. Another five star novel.

Another success for Elizabeth Macneal!
We meet Nell, a young woman with birth marks dotting her skin, who is searching for her purpose in life in a small village. Ridiculed and treated like an abomination. she feels as though she will never fit in with those around her.
Joining Jasper Jupiter's circus (though not by choice) allows her to forge friendships and bonds with those who are also considered 'wonders'.
The circus itself is so captivating that I felt as if I was there, watching Nell, Stella and Brunette as they preformed to a dazzled crowd.
A heart-breaking, moving and beautiful tale of what it means to truly belong.
(Giving this novel 4* simply because Macneal's previous novel 'The Doll Factory' totally entranced me and I felt this book fell ever so slightly short of that!)

A very engaging read with some great characters, kept me turning the pages to see what happens to Nell. Two brothers who fought in the Crimea, dream of owning a circus together. When they realise their dream, things start to turn sour when a young woman called Nell, covered in birthmarks which mark her as different joins the band of "freaks" who work in the circus. Sadly I found the ending slightly disappointing as it felt rather rushed. But the great writing and fascinating story were compensation.