This book was touted to be a lot like The Night Circus and Water for Elephants, but despite the circus theme, I thought it was more like All the Light You Cannot See.

I wanted to enjoy it more than I ended up doing, and that had a lot to do with the disability rep. I was frustrated with the rhetoric around her being unable to walk. The author's note did explain some of the situation and how the character is treated, but I think there were better ways for the story to play out. Without giving away any spoilers, the situation's resolution felt ablelist. It was very reminiscent of Clara in Heidi - and we even have a different character named Heidi. Incidentally, there was also a bit of reverse Anne and Gilbert moment at one point.

Overall, it was an enjoyable novel but I think I could have done without some of the rhetoric - despite the explanation in the author's note. That situation had so much potential and the way the story played out ruined a lot of the magic of the book for me.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley and HarperCollins.
Expected Publication: March 22, 2022

4.5 stars
This is a rich and beautifully written book. It was so easy to just get lost within the pages. I didn't want to put it down and when forced to, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. All signs of a great author and story!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.