A Journey of Resilience: Reviewing Home of the American Circus
When I first picked up Home of the American Circus by L. K. Gornick, I was buoyed by my previous experience with The People We Keep. That book had captivated my heart, leading me to believe I’d found another five-star gem. However, my expectations met a different reality with this latest offering, one that oscillated between engaging moments of connection and stretches of languid pacing.
Set in Somers, New York—the birthplace of the American Circus—this tale weaves its narrative around the rich history of the circus and the poignant theme of found families. The author’s nod to the elephant Bet, a figure that has come to symbolize different eras of the circus, was an enchanting tie-in that I truly admired. Somers itself acts as a microcosm of society, showcasing small-minded individuals clinging to outdated beliefs as well as open-hearted souls redefining what family means.
Freya Arnalds, our thirty-year-old protagonist, returns to her ancestral home amidst a medical crisis that leaves her financially strapped. What she discovers upon arrival is far from comforting—her fifteen-year-old niece, Aubrey, has taken refuge in the crumbling house that Freya inherited from her estranged parents. Their once-close relationship dwindled when Freya vanished from Aubrey’s life. Thus, we are introduced into the depths of their frayed connections, with a backdrop of personal trauma that drives their individual journeys.
The story unfolds over six seasons, an interesting narrative choice that tantalizingly sets the stage for Freya and Aubrey to confront their pasts. However, I found the first half—specifically Winter and Spring—painfully slow, filled with introspective reminiscing that felt cumbersome. While backstory is essential in a character-driven novel, the critical revelations only landed in the second half, making it a slog to reach Summer. Here, the pace quickens, and at last, we witness Gornick’s engaging prose that I so loved in her earlier work. It’s in this section that we unearth the truth behind Freya’s hasty departure and Aubrey’s desperate need for belonging.
As I delved deeper into the narrative, I began reflecting on how Gornick masterfully captures the essence of human relationships—those who let us down and those who help us heal. The warmth of the characters, juxtaposed against the town’s harshness, creates a rich tapestry of human experience.
In terms of writing style, Gornick’s talent shines brightest in her character development. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the book’s pacing could have benefitted from some pruning. By the end, I settled on a combined rating of three stars—an average response to what was initially a promising read.
Although my journey with Home of the American Circus had its ups and downs, it remains a tale worth exploring, especially for readers who appreciate nuanced storytelling about familial ties and resilience. If you’re someone intrigued by the complexity of human relationships and the idea of creating a chosen family, this book might resonate deeply with you.
Ultimately, despite my initial frustrations, I found a message of hope amidst the narratives of struggle. As with all literary adventures, I encourage you to join my buddy DeAnn on her own journey with this book—her take might add another layer of insight that could change the way we both view this nuanced tale.
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