Circus of Wonders
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Circus of Wonders
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Narrated by:
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Tuppence Middleton
About this listen
THE Sunday Times Best Seller
This audiobook is read by Tuppence Middleton (Mank and Downton Abbey).
1866. In a coastal village in southern England, Nell picks violets for a living. Set apart by her community because of the birthmarks that speckle her skin, Nell’s world is her beloved brother and devotion to the sea.
But when Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in the village, Nell is kidnapped. Her father has sold her, promising Jasper Jupiter his very own leopard girl. It is the greatest betrayal of Nell's life, but as her fame grows, and she finds friendship with the other performers and Jasper’s gentle brother Toby, she begins to wonder if joining the show is the best thing that has ever happened to her.
In London, newspapers describe Nell as the eighth wonder of the world. Figurines are cast in her image, and crowds rush to watch her soar through the air. But who gets to tell Nell’s story? What happens when her fame threatens to eclipse that of the showman who bought her? And as she falls in love with Toby, can he detach himself from his past and the terrible secret that binds him to his brother?
Moving from the pleasure gardens of Victorian London to the battle-scarred plains of the Crimea, Circus of Wonders is an astonishing story about power and ownership, fame and the threat of invisibility.
©2021 Elizabeth Macneal (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International LtdListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Beautifully written." (The Times)
"An absolute triumph." (Stacey Halls, author of The Familiars)
"A glittering follow-up to The Doll Factory." (Guardian)
What listeners say about Circus of Wonders
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Lebagal626
- 15-07-23
Good not great
I love stories set around circuses. This particular novel chooses the crueller side of circus life which is a valid and interesting story to tell.
Unfortunately, the lead characters fall a little flat. None of their motivations are well rounded. The ending is also fine, expected and not a bad choice but it leaves nothing of a wanting to know more which I think a great book does. When a great book ends your disappointment is very acute. When this book ended I was more unimpressed and wanting to get onto the next book.
Another issue was the word brother. It is used far too much throughout the book. In the chapters with the male leads the term brother is used almost every other word! I understand he has a connection and toxic relationship with his brother but we don’t need to hear about it constantly.
Voice acting was also good. With a less than amazing story they did an okay job. Unfortunately, for me this wasn’t a special story and not one I’ll be recommending.
If you like circuses and want a good read it’s a good choice but don’t expect an epic story that changes you.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sakee
- 14-03-24
story and details that take you right there
The story and the characters are addictive. The details and descriptions so good and precise, you could be there with them.
only disappointment is that it ended leaving me either a lot of unanswered questions. would love there to be a follow up book.....please
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-11-23
A bit dull
I really enjoyed the author’s previous book, but this one was much longer and much less compelling. After a few hours listening, I saw that I still had 6 hours to go. I was filled with horror. The story had lost any momentum and became an awful slog.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Natasha Skinner
- 27-06-21
Enchanting bittersweet
Interesting and very engaging. I really wanted a happier ending but thats just how life goes sometimes!
Great writing, description and detail. Would kd make a good film. Really recommend this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- MarieLambert
- 10-11-21
amazing
I loved the story beautiful written a bit disappointed with the ending and the Jackal.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- V. O'Regan
- 03-06-21
A wonderful tale
This was a five star review for me and my long review is posted on Amazon U.K.
With respect to the audiobook, I have enjoyed Tuppence Middleton’s narration on a number of previous audiobooks, including Elizabeth Macneal’s debut, ‘The Doll Factory’. She is an experienced British actor with stage, film and television credits and she voices the range of characters in this novel with ease. I found her voice exquisite with a silky texture that is very pleasurable to listen to.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Elise
- 13-09-21
For fans of The Night Circus and Caraval
This was completely up my street. I really enjoyed The Doll Factory and Circus of Wonders didn't disappoint as a second novel. I think the ending was slightly rushed with one or two unanswered questions but other than that, great listen. Tuppence Middleton is a wonderful narrator.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs W. McArthur
- 12-03-24
Tuppence Middleton reads this so well. Her voice takes you into the lives so easily.
Great story and eye opener into the lives of women, circus, love, greed, determination, family and struggles.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Nancy
- 07-07-21
Beautiful misery
It is beautifully written, incredibly evocative and comes at the story from obscure and interesting angles, but for me, despite all that, it was not a story I longed to get back to. In fact I was glad when it was over. Perhaps it's just me and I personally need more escapism - this story was just too much like the heartache of real life, with one tragic heartbreak heaped upon the next. Narrated and brought to life with great skill.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs Sally Fort
- 23-03-22
Fab plot, detailed characters, gorgeous narration
Fab plot, detailed characters, gorgeous narration. One of my favourite listens for a long time.
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