Circus of Wonders
Circus of Wonders
Book Brief
Beta384
Novel • Fiction
England • 1860s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal follows the journey of a young woman, Nell, who becomes part of a traveling circus in Victorian England after being sold by her father. Amidst the spectacle, Nell discovers empowerment and the complexities of identity while navigating the intertwined lives of performers and those who exploit them.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Gritty
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
10,810 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Circus of Wonders by Elizabeth Macneal receives praise for its vivid historical setting and compelling exploration of themes like exploitation and ambition. The character development, particularly the protagonist, is noted for depth and relatability. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable. Overall, it is a rich, immersive read.
Who Should Read Circus of Wonders?
A reader who delights in the rich, atmospheric storytelling of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or the historical depth of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton will relish Elizabeth Macneal's Circus of Wonders. Ideal for fans of Victorian-era tales with themes of identity and spectacle.
10,810 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elizabeth Macneal's novel Circus of Wonders draws inspiration from the 19th-century phenomenon of Victorian circuses and the era's fascination with spectacle and eccentricity.
Macneal, who has a background in ceramics, wrote much of Circus of Wonders during the COVID-19 lockdowns, finding solace in crafting during breaks from writing.
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384
Novel • Fiction
England • 1860s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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