I read Elizabeth Macneal’s last book , The Doll Factory,so I was very happy to receive an ARC of her new novel in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.
It’s an excellent read ,and I enjoyed it even more than The Doll Factory. It’s about a Victorian circus,Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders ,which is similar to Barnum’s circus seen in The Greatest Showman.The main character,Nell, is sold to Jasper Jupiter by her father and becomes one of the stars of the show .She joins a group of female performers who all have something which makes them different and appeals to the Victorian fascination with people who are unusual or different due to disfigurement ,disability or body conditions.
The story moves between the circus setting and flashbacks to the Crimean War when Jasper and his brother Toby fought and made plans to open their circus.Jasper is a monster ,selfish and unkind, but he sees the potential in his show people until they become more famous than he is.
The story has lots of interesting messages on fame,female empowerment and disability.It’s beautifully written with a strong central character and contains a lot of information about the Victorian fascination with the circus .
Highly recommended.

I was keen to read this having enjoyed Macneal's first novel, The Doll Factory. However, I just did not connect with this storyline. I found the characters opaque and did not relate to their motives or actions. The relationships were shallow and left me unmoved. I found the secret contrived and lacking in any real revelation. Having said this I enjoyed the historical exploration of circuses and the trend of the Victorian fascination with "oddities". The themes surrounding identity and uniqueness were well delivered.

The circus of wonders draws people in to see the wonders of human defect and daring feats. Into this world a young girl who is viewed as an oddity falls reluctantly at first where she finds her place and an unexpected love, the outcome could make or break her. A wholly enjoyable read, where we don’t know who the survivors will be or if the circus itself will survive. It is very well written with all the thrills and spills we would expect.

A really interesting setting, and very human, nuanced and flawed characters; a story of family and love and what that means to each.

Nellie Moon has has always been a bit different. When the circus leaves town, she finds herself part of it and her life is no longer her own.

Jasper and Toby Jupiter have always dreamed of having their own circus and now that dream has come true. Do we always want dreams to come true though, and what happens when they do?

I did enjoy reading this book but I think it had more promise than it quite delivered. I really liked Toby and Nell but the story became rather repetitive after a while and I'm not sure it went where it needed to go.

I think there's a lot of potential for a great book here and this one hasn't quite got there. I would like to see where the author goes in the future though, because I think there's a lot more to come.

After her brilliantly memorable debut, The Doll Factory, Elizabeth Macneal's showcases that her writing just goes from strength to strength, as she once again returns to the Victorian historical era, this time putting the spotlight on Victorian obsessions with 'freaks', curiosities, and the exotic. This books shimmers with magic, illusions, interwoven with horror, where in a southern coastal town, Nell is markedly different from others with her body covered with birthmarks, she is shunned by others, believed to be a curse, thought of as a bad omen by her father. She holds on to her beloved relationship with her brother, picking violets for a living. Nell, the 'Leopard Girl', is to be betrayed by her father, torn from her life when he sells her to Jasper Jupiter's Circus of Wonders. Jasper is a blindly ambitious, selfish, seeking fame and fortune at any price, he and his gentler brother, Toby, are haunted by the brutal battlefields of the Crimean War, where Jasper served as a soldier, and Toby as a war photographer, the two bound tightly together by secrets, as they realised their dream of running a circus.

Nell is initially so unhappy, but she is soon to wonder if this is not the best thing that could have happened her, as she soars high above the entranced audiences as she becomes Jasper's star attraction, becoming widely celebrated, shifting large amounts of merchandise, the media labelling her the eighth wonder of the world. She becomes close to fellow acts, including a group of women, like the wise bearded women, Stella, along with Peggy and Brunette, forming strong friendships and family, developing resilience and a more defined sense of identity. She develops feelings for Toby, but she is owned by Jasper, and his insecurities, jealousy and drive to profiteer is to be source of his unravelling. In a atmospheric, multilayered, and emotionally charged narrative, we learn of the backgrounds and past of Nell, the despicably controlling Jasper, and Toby, touching on issues of power, ownership, celebrity, exploitation, differences, sibling relationships, secrets, love, loss and circus life are explored, amidst the rich descriptions of life, the position of women, the social norms and attitudes of the day, the society and inequalities of Victorian England.

In this well researched novel, Macneal weaves her powerful spellbinding storytelling, immersing the reader in the Victorian period, and her magnetic, mesmerising, memorable and flawed authentic characters, none more so than Nell. The development of her character is a joy to behold, despite the challenges and obstacles that come her way, facing being all to obviously seen by others, yet to all intents and purposes, fighting being invisible, wanting to be seen for who she is. The author takes the reader beyond the macabre horror of the circus of 'freaks' into the thrillingly imagined world of the weird and the wonderful, the people and their lives behind the acts. This is a uncomfortable and unsettling book at times, but it just lured me in with ease with its beautifully written prose and emotional sensitivity, a historical novel of survival, hope, empowerment and acceptance in a world that can be so desperately cruel. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC.

“In this age of wonder, epiphanies are born in the ecstasies of dreams and fevers.”

Set in a time when Britain was obsessed with ‘freaks’ - anyone shunned due to being different than societal standards - Circus of Wonders illuminates this period through the tale of a girl sold by her father to a showman’s circus, who with his sidekick brother, take the troupe to London to gain fame, fortune and the favour of Queen Victoria.

I want to write from the offset that I don’t believe I have ever struggled to write a review quite like this before, at least for some time. I’ve really struggled to find words to convey all my feelings and thoughts on this book.  

Circus of Wonders has excellent characterisation. Truly outstanding characters. Each of the three are explored enough for their feelings, intentions and decisions to be clearly understood and even felt at times. Nell is someone who discovers she can be more than what she was told she could be. Jasper is someone who learns the price of ambition and arrogance. Toby is someone who acts on love for better or worse. They are real, true and encompass the best and worst of human nature. I wanted to hug Toby, throttle Jasper and elevate Nell’s spirit.

I think Macneal has cleverly portrayed a balanced story that illuminates a time both horrific and wondrous. I feel like I’ve seen the world in a new light, or more aptly, in a past time. It’s uncomfortable and somber yet tender, charming and hopeful. Moreover, I adored the book’s subtlety and understated air all because of Macneal’s easy prose. It’s truly special how there’s so much substance and emotion interwoven in such a readable book. I particularly enjoyed how Macneal reflected on how those who’s physique differs from what is held to be beautiful, is vilified.

“Girls are rewarded with kingdoms; deformities are given as punishments. The greedy hunchback is cursed with a second hump on the front of his chest; a spiteful sister is punished by being given a second nose.”

As well as shining a light on how differences are dehumanised and ostracised, there’s many strands worth applauding. Family, love, identity, exploitation and what makes truth the truth ajar from stories told.

The setting and events of Circus of Wonders are like nothing I’ve ever read/experienced. It was almost dreamlike in that it was easily conjured but just out of reach. The imagery was extremely impressive. I effortlessly pictured the hot air balloon, dancing poodles, the showman riding in on his elephant and the skin of a living picture. 

The pace was a little slow burn, which may feel tiresome at points, but is ultimately necessary for a rewarding story that completely ensnared me by the climax. I was holding my breath, my heart was galloping and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Profound, alluring and unforgettable. I have no doubt this will be in my top reads of 2021. I’ve already preordered my hardback copy - I recommend everyone else do so too!

Thank you kindly to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.

She's done it again. Elizabeth Macneal’s new novel is a moving and beautifully written story of betrayal and strength set in a Victorian circus. Crackles with magic and power (also contains leopard girls and candied violets). Loved it, even if it broke my heart.

I really found myself engrossed in this book. It was a very good story, well written. It really kept my interest. Will there be a follow-up? I really hope so, for the ending I want.
#CircusofWonders #NetGalley

I absolutely loved this book! Set in Victorian times, it tells the story of Nell, a young girl ostracised from her community because she's different from everyone else, and Jasper and Toby, two brothers whose past ties them together.

When Nell's father sells her to Jasper, you experience the poor girl's terror and anger, and her gradual acceptance of her new life and friends. As the story progresses, we discover more about Jasper and Toby's life during the war, and secret jealousies and resentments are revealed.

Beautifully written, the author takes you on a journey back in time to Victorian England, with its people, sounds, sights and smells taking over your senses. The story pulls you in, the various threads interweaving, a tale of love and loss, of hope and despair, that keeps you enthralled to the end. I will be thinking about it for a long time. Highly recommend.

Nell - it is 1866 and nell lives in a small village with her father and brother. Born with birth marks that cover her body, she longs for a ‘normal’ life. One where she is accepted and can find someone to love. She wears clothes that cover her marks but still the villagers point and stare thinking she is cursed.

Jasper and Toby - they are brothers, are very close and always have been. As children they dreamed of running a circus, as adults after Jasper fought in the Crimean war, they built Jasper Jupiter’s circus of wonders and travelled the towns with dreams of making it to London and showing their amazing wonders to the queen. When they meet Nell their circus and their lives will be set to change forever.

This book follows the three main characters stories, it takes you through Nell, Jasper and Toby’s pasts including parts of their childhoods, it takes you on their journey as they take on the world and helps Nell to overcome all her issues with her differences that she’d hated for so long.
It’s a really great book that I really enjoyed. Their stories kept me hooked and I loved every moment of it.

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.