THE WEIGHT OF AIR by KIMBERLY DUFFY is a well written story that deals with the emotional impact that comes from rejection, leading to broken people with emotional problems and the loss of the feeling of self worth, against the backdrop of the circus. The subject of depression is also addressed.
When Bram MacGinnis dies suddenly in 1911, his beautiful, strong daughter Mabel, who was part of his act, finds she cannot perform without him. Although she is known as the strongest woman in the world, she falls apart with stage fright. Jake Cunningham,who promised his friend and mentor, Bram, that he would look after Mabel if anything were to happen to him, accompanies her to America in search of her mother, Polly, now the world famous Isabella Moreau. Jake hates Isabella, holding her responsible for his wife’s accident that caused her death…..
It is interesting to see how the circus demands everything from its performers, and how Isabella pushes herself to perform, in spite of her aging body …..
I particularly like the Christian message based on Philippians 4:13,”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
There are romantic and family relationships, together with the jealousy and unkindness that comes from the less talented, but there is also forgiveness and unconditional love that brings hope for the future.
It is altogether an enjoyable and inspirational read, and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A truly great work of fiction! This book brings light to important issues like postpartum depression, suicide and broken relationships. The story of the circus and its performers was fascinating. Seeing into the lives of those who are "different " and their struggles to be seen and heard was eye opening. The imagery in the book was so descriptive thar I could picture where the characters were and what they wore. I highly recommend this book!

Two women--bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance--find together that true strength comes in many forms.

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When he dies unexpectedly, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham in hope of finding the mother she thought was dead.

Isabella Moreau, America's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. Then her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, and she is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

As Mabel and Isabella's lives become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden, their resiliency and resolve are tested as they learn the truth of what it means to be strong.

I have not heard of this author before, I chose this book based on the cover and the blurb, and I was not disappointed! This was such a gorgeous read, full of well developed characters and rich with feeling.

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.