This book was best to say interesting. The plot and storyline were well developed by the author. The characters were well developed. This is a book which I would recommend to anyone who wants a change of pace in their reading.

This book unfortunately didn’t resonate with me. From the outset, I found it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. Despite the intriguing and fantastical premise that initially drew me in, I struggled to connect with the characters and their journeys. It felt like the plot was disjointed at times, which hindered my ability to immerse myself in the world the author created. I believe this response may stem more from my personal taste rather than any deficiencies in the author’s writing style or abilities. It’s clear that others may appreciate the book more than I did. Thank you for this ARC.

It is a great honor and delight to be the first person to write a review for this book on GR.
For me, a new Dan Chaon book is always an event. I requested this one on Netgalley the moment I saw it, without even knowing what it was about. That it is about a circus (one of my favorite subjects) was the perfectly juicy cherry on top.

Chaon is a terrific writer, whatever genre he chooses. Not that I would put a genre on this book. It's something like dark literary fantastic, and it is very much all those three things.
The plot revolves around a pair of young twins who end up orphaned and sold to man named Jengling (not Ring-ling any bells?) who operates a wonderfully esoteric circus. This is 1915, when some things were done.
The boy twin takes to it like fish to water, his strong-willed sister doesn't. And then there is the matter of their self-appointed uncle, a psychopathic killer, who is after them, trying to take them back.

This is a genuine circus of a novel in the best possible way - colorful characters, fun, and magic in the air. It's a wonderful show you won't want to miss.
Full disclosure: I didn't love the ending all the way. I think I wanted more for the main characters. But it had a beautiful poignancy that i appreciated and was well suited to the book, which was in every way a great read. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

I have always been a fan of Dan Chain's. His writing is usually unique, strange, and stands apart from anything else you have ever read. I really enjoyed the plot in this one. I'm a big fan of traveling carnivals and freak shows. Add Dan's usual eccentric, one of a kind characters, you've got a bumpy ride through a surreal world of chaos. Loved it.

I am not really sure what I just read, but I do know that I was not a fan in the slightest. This book was all over the place and extremely odd.