Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal

Circus of Wonders is the second novel by Elizabeth Macneal. I’ve been wanting to read it since I read her first, The Doll Factory, which really helped me get into historical fiction. I finally picked it up in the independent bookshop in Padstow, when I was on holiday this summer.

Set in 1866, Circus of Wonders is the story of 19-year-old Nell. Covered in birthmarks from head to toe, Nell hides herself from her community. Even her own father believes she is cursed. Her only friend is her beloved brother, Charlie. But Charlie is shortly to become a father and get married. Nell longs to get married and have a family herself. What will become of her without her brother?

But then Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in her village. To Jasper, Nell is a prize. But how can she be persuaded to join his circus?

For the ambitious Jasper Jupiter, nothing is ever enough. He wants more exhibits, more performers and more animals. He wants his show to be bigger and better than anyone else’s. If Barnum can do it, why can’t he?

At the circus, Nell is accepted. She doesn’t stand out. She makes friends with a dwarf, a giant and a bearded lady.

Before long, Nell is Nellie Moon. Star of the show, the girl who hid from people soars across the enraptured audience. Her face is on merchandise from boxes of matches to figurines. She even attracts the attention of Queen Victoria herself.

But when Nell’s fame starts to eclipse Jasper’s, the only way is down.

Circus of Wonders is a beautiful and atmospheric novel. Told from the points of view of Nell, Jasper and Jasper’s brother, Toby, it is a story which celebrates friendship, family and difference. But it is also pretty dark.

One of the reviews on the cover describes Circus of Wonders as ‘Victorian noir’, which sums it up perfectly. The Victorian freak show was a booming industry, which made stars of some of its performers, but they also suffered abuse. They were seen as possessions rather than people, with even young children sold to circuses by their own parents.

I absolutely loved Circus of Wonders. If you enjoy historical fiction or are tempted to give it a try, I would definitely recommend it.