Having absolutely adored Elizabeth Macneal’s debut novel, ‘The Doll Factory’, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I was so sure that I would love this book that I’ve also pre-ordered the independent bookshop hardback version…so pretty!
I can now confirm that this has proved money well spent!
Continue reading ‘Circus of Wonders’ by Elizabeth MacnealHappy publication day to this book in hardback!
I do love historical fiction and the promise of a book set around high society in the 1700s including a Grand Tour of Europe really appealed.
This novel follows twins Edgar and Benjamin Bowen as they attempt to ingratiate themselves into high society by making connections on a Grand Tour. The narrator, Benjamin, is a much more reluctant participant on this quest than his brother but, armed with their mother’s guide book of Europe and their extensive education, off they go. It’s only when they get to Paris that they realise they aren’t ever going to be accepted – a revelation about their family history and society’s snobbishness about their business background see to that. Then Benjamin meets the eponymous Mr Lavelle and his world is turned upside down by the experiences of first love.
This is well written and an engaging read. Although Horace Lavelle is infuriating (a kind of pretentious Sebastian Flyte figure – and I mean that in a good way!), the book is more about Benjamin and his maturation away from the suffocating influence of his mother. I’d have liked a bit more historical colour to the book personally – a lot of the characters felt quite modern, but I can’t really put my finger on why I felt this. I’d have also loved to hear more about the varied and glorious settings.
Overall, this is an engaging and well paced read. The experiences of an intoxicating first love affair are well portrayed and the book certainly raises some ideas for further reflection. The sense of the persecution of gay men in that historical period is shocking and certainly makes the reader think about how far society has come since then: sadly, not as far as we should have.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst
You can buy a copy of the hardback using the link below – The Quick and the Read may earn commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
This book – published today in hardback – is a warm, witty and uplifting read.
I really love funny books and Adam Kay (who endorsed this book) so I thought this was definitely worth a try. I am certainly glad I did.
Jake is edging towards thirty with a girlfriend who is expecting to become a fiancee, but he isn't quite comfortable in his own skin or even with his own family. His younger brother, Trick, has just publically come out as gay, not that anyone ever considered he might not be. Their parents are accepting of their youngest son's sexuality, but seem a whole lot less supportive when Jake announces his own bisexuality. This book charts Jake's progress from heterosexual coupledom into uncharted waters...
The book is funny - not side-splittingly so, but certainly warm and witty. However, its strength lies in its characterisation. Jake is troubled and flawed and capable of some bad decisions, and his family and friends are so real. This is a book that swerves stereotypes wherever possible - Jake's girlfriend is fabulous even when she is hurting when she could easily have been made into a woman scorned and I loved her. Similarly, Jake's family are brash and loud, but also extremely subtly drawn and tender when it matters.
I enjoyed this book - it's a lively and engaging read that doesn't preach or stereotype. Instead, we get a full range of well-observed and realistic characters who are just trying to navigate their own situations. A lovely book and one I whole-heartedly recommend.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Photo by Shopify Partners from Burst
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