I’m a big old fan of this debut novel. Turn of the century NYC, side shows, secret babies, sisters, illicit love. What’s not to love??
The three person narrative is told by Sylvan Threadgill who finds an abandoned newborn baby and is determined to track down her parents; Odile Church, raised in the curtained halls of her mother’s spectacular Coney Island sideshow, who now must contend with the death of her mother and the loss of her sister Belle, the sword swallower star of the show; and Alphie Leonnetti, a reformed escort, who wakes up groggy and confused in Blackwell’s Lunatic Asylum for Women (gasp!).The last thing she remembers is a dark stain on the floor and her mother-in-law screaming.
On a single night, these strangers’ lives become forever entwined, as secrets come to light, consequences are faced, and long-desired acceptance is found. Leslie Parry creates a richly atmospheric vision of the colorful world of those at the fringes of society and keeps the surprises coming. For fans of The Night Circus or Water for Elephants.
Get an egalley!
– Annie
PS: Leslie will be at ALA Midwinter, so if you will be too be sure to stop by Booth 4526 on Sunday at noon!