I loved “The People We Keep” so, I thought I had a 5 star read lined up, but, this one didn’t quite deliver for me…

Somers, New York-the birthplace of the American Circus, is the setting for this tale. It’s the place where the first circus elephant, Bet, is memorialized, though there are many versions of the story of Bailey’s elephant. I admired the author’s inclusion of this fact as a tie-in to the rest of the narrative.

It’s also a town that has some SMALL MINDED residents who are not open to different perspectives than those they have been taught to believe. And, a town of some BIG HEARTED people who don’t define “family” in the traditional way.

After a medical emergency leaves her short on rent, thirty-year-old bartender Freya Arnalds flees her life in Maine and returns the only place she can think of going to-the house she inherited from her deceased, estranged parents.

When she arrives, she finds that her fifteen-year-old niece, Aubrey, has been secretly living in the crumbling home, now estranged from her own mother.

The pair were once very close, until Freya disappeared on Aubrey, but they will reconnect, as they work to restore the house and come to terms with traumas, past and present, that drove them to their current situations.

The story unfolds over the course of SIX seasons, each part labeled-Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, again, and Spring, finally.

Winter and Spring comprise the first 50% of this 432 page book-and I struggled to engage with the story. I wanted to set the book aside and NOT finish-I found it to be painfully slow, with a lot of reminiscing. Obviously, we need back story for context in a character driven novel such as this one-but the IMPORTANT revelations didn’t actually occur until the SECOND half of the book, in the PRESENT DAY timeline, so this is probably where some pages could have been cut. Two stars for the first half.

Once I reached SUMMER, which began the second half of the book, the pace picked up and I started to RECOGNIZE the writing that had me so engaged in “The People We Keep”. We finally learn about the event that made Freya flee, and the trauma that drove Aubrey to move into her Aunts vacant property. And, we learn about the people who let them down, and the people who helped to put them back together. Many questions remain unanswered but, the second half was still a solid 4 stars.

Combine the two scores, and you end up with three stars-which is an AVERAGE book by my rating scale.

TW: Sexual Assault (off page)

Available May 6, 2025

Thank You to Gallery Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

This was such an interesting story. It took a while to get going but I found that I had so many emotions during the story. It was so sad at the same time it was so beautiful. The writing and deep sadness reminded me of a John Irving story. I would recommend it.

It was such a delight to be back in a world created by Allison Larkin. Like the other two I've read by her, I didn't want it to end. Home of the American Circus follows Freya as she makes her way back to Somers, New York, to the falling apart home she inherited from her estranged parents. She's been gone 10 years and while she never intended to come back due to some traumatic events, an unexpected surgery leaves her broke and thus Somers becomes her only option. What she didn't expect was to find her niece, Aubrey, secretly squatting in the house. Aubrey and Freya had an amazing relationship before Freya left. They both felt like outsiders in their family but together they were a perfect match. Freya is given a second chance with Aubrey and tries all she can to earn back her trust and be the loving sturdy adult she desperately needs and Freya wishes she had at that age. Freya's life, similar to the house, needs a large overhaul to the foundation and through some old friends and Aubrey, Freya starts a new chapter. Like Allison's previous novels, this is a rich character driven story. Her characters are flawed (aren't we all) but it's easy to love and root for them. Showcasing the small town and its history, you feel like you are part of this world she beautifully created and crafted. Another gem of found family and second chances that will warm your heart and leave you wanting more. Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub Day is just a month away on May 6th!

Another astonishing character-driven work of art from Allison Larkin! I am a longtime fan of her books, and the way her stories grow richer and deeper with each new place she takes us. Larkin is a genius in how she weaves themes like found family, the impact of upbringing, the importance of irrational hope in what might come next…her books create this wonderful atmosphere of time and place, filled with characters I’m still thinking about. Highly recommend!

After an emergency appendectomy, Freya knows she won’t be able to make rent. Which means….she has to go with her only option, moving back to the house her parents left her when they passed. As much as she wants ti blend in, she of course runs into old friends, flames, and enemies. The real surprise though is her niece Aubrey, who was secretly living in the house. Will Freya be able to make it up to Aubrey for leaving so many years ago?

I don’t know who I am reading and loving all these slow burn, character driven stories! Larkin has a way or writing such amazing and compelling characters that immediately draw you in and make you want to know more. The relationships with Freya and Aubrey, Jam, and the rest of the cast of characters were so heartwarming, even when they were frustrating and imperfect! I love a found family story so dang much, and Larkin has proven to be one of the best at writing them! This book brought up so many emotions, and left me thinking about it long after finishing.

Thank you to @gallerybooks for my gifted copy of this book!

This book was so good! I found myself fully invested by the end of the first few chapters, and by the time I reached the halfway point, I was already feeling sad that it would eventually come to an end.

Despite its focus on the trauma of a woman who endured a challenging childhood, the narrative beautifully balances darkness with light. The protagonist’s journey through her struggles as an adult is both poignant and relatable, yet the story is rich with moments of humanity, connection, and empathy. This infusion of hope keeps the overall mood uplifting rather than disheartening.

One of the standout features of this novel is the realism of its characters. Each protagonist feels multifaceted and genuine, grappling with their own flaws and desires. Even the peripheral characters are well-developed and resonate deeply, adding layers to the story and enhancing the moments of connection throughout the novel.

Ultimately, Home of the American Circus is not just a tale of survival; it’s a testament to resilience and the power of human connection. It’s an uplifting and satisfying read that will undoubtedly land in my Top 10 of the year! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that resonates on multiple levels.

Sadly, I did not enjoy this book. It felt very choppy and disjointed. I could not identify or feel connected to the characters and the story wasn't very interesting.

"Home of the American Circus" by Allison Larkin is a beautifully crafted novel that transports readers to a world of wonder, nostalgia, and the complexities of family dynamics. Larkin's lyrical prose brings the colorful circus setting to life, immersing you in the vibrant atmosphere and captivating characters that inhabit it.

The story follows a compelling protagonist on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, grappling with her past and the legacy of the circus. Larkin masterfully explores themes of love, loss, and belonging, weaving a heartfelt narrative that resonates deeply. The character development is rich and nuanced, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

Overall, "Home of the American Circus" is a delightful and enchanting read that showcases Allison Larkin's talent for storytelling. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt tale filled with magic and emotional depth. A special thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

4.5 ⭐

Back in 2021, I fell in love with The People We Keep, which ended up being in my top 5 at year's end. Since then, I have been eagerly awaiting a new book drop from Alison Larkin. I was thrilled when Home of the American Circus popped up on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled to get my hands on it! ⁣
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It's impossible not to fall in love with the wonderful cast of characters Larkin creates in her books. She writes the theme of "found family" so incredibly well, and it makes for a heartwarming read in this upcoming release. This book was like a warm hug. Brimming with nostalgia, quirky and endearing characters I would love to chat with over coffee (and a couple I'd like to throat-punch 🤣), and an atmosphere as cozy as a well-worn sweater, this feel-good read was a joy to binge.

This is a book of raw emotions tied to coming back to your hometown to face old demons, memories, and family. Freya has inherited her house from her parents. As she returns, she connects with her teenage niece who is also dealing with her own family struggles. Freya and Aubrey work through their history together as they determine what path to take forward.

Larkin once again leads the readers on an exploration of the innermost thoughts, ideas, and aspirations of a woman on the precipice of major life changes. While not as engaging as her first book, the story feel predicable and familiar at first but later offers unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Including the informative facts about the circus elephants made me think, "Is this really true?" and I ran to google to find out. I'll leave you with that.

I was really taken by this story of homecoming and found family. These are characters that I wanted to keep returning to, and that I was definitely rooting for.

Book Review
📖 Home of the Great American Circus (#54)
4.25⭐️/ I really liked it!
Swipe for @goodreads synopsis

🐘 Nobody writes sorting out a messy life like @allielarkinwrites! Thank you to @gallerybooks for the sneak peek at this. It’s out May 6th!

🐘 I devoured this book in just a couple of days— which is saying something when it comes to me and a character-driven novel. I love a coming-of-age tale of someone who has had a hard life and is finally coming out of that and figuring out how to stand on their own two feet. As a reader, it’s so easy to root for the MC and you just really want to know what happens.

🐘 I adored Freya and felt all the feelings for this girl and her sweet niece. This book touches on:
- generational trauma
- overcoming adversity
- found family
- the truth of history (and who gets to tell it)

🐘 Side note: it’s physically impossible for me to not adore a character who has a soft spot for an elephant. 😍

🐘 If you’ve read and loved Allison Larkin before I have no doubt you’ll love this novel too. Again, it’s out in May.

I enjoyed this book from the very first chapter! The author has a great writing style that is very easy to read without being too simple. Lovely story!

I enjoyed this book, but was surprised how the author worked the "Circus" into the story and the title. Interesting premise, and fabulous use of symbology in writing. I found it intriguing and it really made me think about the story as it compared to the captivity of the town elephant. Well written, well thought out, and an enjoyable story overall.

What a fantastic book! The first one I have read by this author but definitely can't wait to read more! The characters stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend!

I adored this book! The writing was great, the characters were vivid and multi-dimensional and I wanted to hang out in their world for so much longer. Complicated, messy family dynamics combined with a found family of lovable flawed characters is a favorite of mine and Home of the American Circus was a hit on all those fronts. I adored "The People We Keep" and will be waiting (not so patiently) for the next Allison Larkin Novel!

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC.

It's practically a crime to give this book anything less than five stars—it deserves at least ten! Allison Larkin once again proves herself a master of crafting deeply nuanced characters and slow-burning, small-town fiction that resonates on an emotional level. With Home of the American Circus, she delivers a profoundly moving story of fractured family bonds, self-discovery, and the enduring power of connection.

Freya is a beautifully imperfect protagonist, someone whose struggles feel raw and real, making it easy to empathize with her journey. After a medical emergency forces her to return to Somers, the town she swore she'd left behind, she finds herself entangled in a past she had tried to escape. But the biggest surprise comes when she discovers her teenage niece, Aubrey, secretly living in the dilapidated house Freya inherited. As they cautiously rebuild their relationship, both must navigate old wounds, hidden betrayals, and the possibility of healing—if they’re willing to fight for it.

Larkin’s writing is immersive, rich with atmosphere, and layered with emotions that sneak up on you. The dual timeline adds depth, intertwining past and present in a way that makes every revelation hit even harder. The novel’s exploration of what it truly means to belong—both to a place and to the people around us—is deeply affecting.

With a cast of vividly drawn characters and a setting that feels as alive as the people within it, Home of the American Circus is a story that lingers long after the final page. Poignant, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting, this is a novel that captures the messy beauty of family and second chances.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book so much!! I love the relationship between the characters and the storyline weaved in with the history. Small town feel. I loved The People We Keep as well. This author definitely keeps me interested. I will read more of her work

I absolutely adored this book. At first, I felt it a little slow, even as I appreciated the characters, writing, and setting. But then it picked up and I was so enchanted by the cast of characters, I devoured it. At times, it went a little too much into Freya's mind in ways that felt redundant. That's my only complaint, but even that didn't keep me from loving this story. I thought it was going to culminate in a bug dramatic climax, and it didn't, and usually that would be disappointing to me, but Larkin dis such a good job of cultivating her characters, I didn't care.

I am also from Westchester, so there were many "only-in-Westchester" moments that I really appreciated. I will read anything from this author going forward.