The magical circus is a whimsical and enchanting spectacle that captures the imaginations of both the young and old. It is a world of wonder and mystery, where anything is possible. Step into the circus tent and you will be greeted by the vibrant sights and sounds of the performances. The air is filled with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaits the show to begin. The ringmaster takes center stage, exuding charisma and charm as he introduces the various acts. Acrobats soar through the air, defying gravity with their graceful flips and twists.
Artwork Sold: If an artwork is sold, the buyer is allowed to take the artwork on purchase. Artworks for sale in the Magical Circus Exhibition are subject to a 20% commission.
Please bring your artwork, your confirmation email, and your Entry Fee cash, credit card or check to the Fenix Arts Gallery on the September 29 30, 2023. But as the hours tick, she soon realizes that all is not what it seems, that actions can have serious consequences and that she must find Tella before she disappears forever.
Acrobats soar through the air, defying gravity with their graceful flips and twists. Their colorful costumes dazzle the audience as they perform daring stunts high above the ground. The contortionists twist and bend their bodies into unimaginable positions, leaving spectators in awe of their flexibility and strength.
My top 5 circus and magic books
I wrote The Circus Train because I love magic, circuses and extravagant, over-the-top performances.
Although this book changed many times over the years I spent writing it, the core of the novel always featured Theo (an illusionist), his young daughter Lena and their life on a circus. I still think there’s something completely magical about entering a big top as a child and being swept away by all the magic that that world has to offer. It’s no surprise then, that when it comes to choosing books to read, I am hugely biased towards anything that features a circus or magic of any kind.
Although it’s tough to pick favourites, here are my top 5 favourite circus and magic inspired books:
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
I had to start with this one. The Night Circus is one of the most popular circus-themed books from the last decade. It’s the story of two young duelling magicians, Celia Bowen and Marco Alasdair. Caught up in a deadly competition where only one can survive, the two magicians make the cardinal mistake of falling in love. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the magical Cirque des Rêves, a traveling night circus that pops up without warning and disappears just as quickly.
Morgenstern’s prose and world-building are utterly spell-binding. I found it very hard to put this book down when I was reading it and it’s still one of my favourites today.
The Immortalists - Chloe Benjamin
If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?
This is the premise behind Benjamin’s brilliant novel, a tale of the Gold children (Simon, Klara, Daniel and Varya). It’s 1969 in New York’s Lower East Side and the four kids have just had their fortunes told by a traveling psychic. As their lives play out over the next five decades, the children wrestle with the twin flames of choice and destiny: Simon looks for love in ‘80s San Francisco; Klara decamps to Vegas to become a magician; Daniel ventures into the world of medicine as an army doctor; and Varya becomes a researcher, probing the boundary between science and immortality.
Benjamin’s writing is stunning and intelligent and she possesses this rare ability to weave in so many seemingly disparate elements into a complex and beautiful novel. I was completely swept away by her work in The Immortalists, at one point even missing my subway stop because I was so engrossed in reading it.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay - Michael Chabon
This is my favourite contemporary novel and possibly my favourite novel, ever. It’s up there jostling with The Brothers Karamazov for top spot. I’ve re-read this book so many times I’ve lost count. Like Morgenstern and Benjamin, Chabon is an incredible writer and weaves a tale so fantastical, imaginative and gosh-darn funny that I sometimes had to pause while I was reading, just to marvel at his skill.
The story takes place in 1939 in New York City, where Joe Kavalier (escape artist and budding magician) arrives at the home of Sammy Clay, his cousin. As the war escalates in Europe, America is gripped by the Golden Age of comics and Sammy is looking for a way to cash in. His enterprising nature coupled with Joe’s artistic ability are the perfect match and together they spin otherworldly comic book tales. Spanning decades and featuring a cast of pitch-perfect characters that truly wouldn’t be out of place in a real comic, this book is chef’s kiss perfect.
Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
Who can’t fall for this story of an elderly man reminiscing about his life as the vet on a travelling circus?
Gruen’s novel is told from two time points, featuring the protagonist, Jacob Jankowski, at different stages of his life. We start off by seeing him living in a nursing home, bored with his mundane life. When a circus sets up in the parking lot outside the home, it sparks memories in Jacob and the journey really begins. Through Jacob, Gruen switches between the past and present, weaving an endearing story of hope, sadness and love.
Jacob takes us back to the height of the Great Depression. He is sitting his final exams at veterinary school at Cornell when he receives word that his parents have died in an accident. Orphaned, broke and heartbroken, he flees and, on a whim, jumps on a passing train. Unbeknownst to him, it’s part of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a traveling circus.
Jacob finds work at the circus looking after the animals, including a purportedly difficult elephant named Rosie. He also gets to know the circus cast, including the beautiful performer Marlena, wife of the temperamental animal trainer August. Forbidden love blooms and the circus takes a bit of a dark turn.
I won’t say too much more but it’s a really good book. I also watched the film based on the novel and loved it.
Caraval - Stephanie Garber
I love me a good trilogy and Caraval is the first in a spell-binding series about magic, love, betrayal and sisterhood.
Caraval tells the story of two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, who live on a small island with their cruel father. Scarlett dreams of attending Caraval, a once a year performance-meets-game where the audience participates in the show. But when her father tells her he’s arranged for her to be married, she thinks she’ll never get the chance.
Miraculously, Tella manages to whisk Scarlett away to the show. But when they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by the organizer, Legend. Scarlett soon finds out that this years’ Caraval revolves around her beloved sister and that whoever finds her first will be declared the winner.
At first, Scarlett thinks that it’s just a game and that nothing that happens during Caraval is truly real. But as the hours tick, she soon realizes that all is not what it seems, that actions can have serious consequences and that she must find Tella before she disappears forever.
Garber’s world-building is so on point, it was hard for me to bring myself back to reality each time I had to stop reading this book. If you loved Caraval, I also recommend the other books in this series, Legendary and Finale.
If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?
The clowns, with their oversized shoes and painted faces, bring laughter and joy to the crowd. They stumble and goof around, eliciting giggles and smiles from young and old alike. Their slapstick humor and antics create a lighthearted atmosphere that permeates the entire circus. The magicians perform feats of illusion that defy logic and appear truly magical. They make objects disappear and reappear, and perform mind-boggling tricks that leave the audience questioning their own senses. The illusion of the impossible becomes possible within the confines of the magical circus. The circus animals also play a significant role in the spectacle. Majestic elephants, graceful horses, and agile tigers showcase their talents under the guidance of skilled trainers. Their performances highlight the unique bond between humans and animals, reminding us of the beauty and strength found in nature. The music that accompanies the performances is a vital component of the magical circus. It sets the mood, intensifying the emotions felt by the audience. The melodies and rhythms transport the spectators to a different world, enhancing the overall sensory experience. As the show comes to an end, the audience is left with a sense of wonder and awe. The magical circus has whisked them away to a realm where dreams become realities. It is a place where imagination reigns supreme, reminding us of the power of fantasy and the beauty of the unknown. The magical circus is a testament to the ability of the human spirit to create extraordinary and captivating experiences. It is a realm where the boundaries of reality are blurred, and the impossible becomes possible. Step inside and prepare to be transported to a world of enchantment and marvel..
Reviews for "The Enthralling World of the Magical Circus"
1. Jane - 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Magical Circus" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many characters and subplots that were never fully explored or resolved. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The writing style was also not to my taste, with descriptions that felt heavy-handed and dialogue that lacked depth. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book.
2. Mark - 1/5
"The Magical Circus" was a complete waste of my time. The characters were one-dimensional and unlikable, making it impossible for me to care about what happened to them. The world-building was poorly executed, leaving me confused and disoriented. Additionally, the writing was overly descriptive and bloated, making it a chore to get through. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I had high expectations for "The Magical Circus" based on the hype surrounding it, but it ultimately fell short for me. The concept was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and unsatisfying resolutions. Additionally, the characters felt underdeveloped and their motivations were often unclear. While the book had its moments, it failed to captivate me overall, and I was left feeling disappointed.