Nell is different to everyone else. Her skin is speckled with birthmarks. When the Circus of Wonders comes to town, her father sells her to Jasper Jupiter, the owner of the circus. At first, Nell remains in her quarters and does not want to speak with the others. But when she realises her brother is not coming to rescue her, she slowly comes out of her shell and starts befriending some of the other performers in the circus. Nell becomes really famous quickly and she falls in love with Toby, Jasper’s “boring” brother…
After The Doll Factory, I was expecting a lot from Elizabeth MacNeil’s next book. This didn’t disappoint but The Doll Factory *is* better. Therefore I’ve given this “only” four stars. I’d love to see a screen adaptation of this though. I remember a series called Carnivale quite fondly and think this could be done in a similar style – but in Britain..
Read for the Read Between the Lines Reading Challenge 2024.
Prompt 22: A Book That Should Be Adapted for Screen.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
