5 Spectacular Books About Carnivals and Circuses
If you have ever watched American Horror Story: Freak Show or listened to Melanie Martinez's first album, you will understand the unsettling (but oddly aesthetically pleasing) vibes that a circus or carnival can offer.
The only crime? It's not used more often, especially in the world of publishing. Below, we've gathered a few of our favorite books featuring a true extravaganza.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber's Caraval is the book that had us reaching for another circus setting. Here, you'll meet Scarlett and Donatella Dragna, two sisters desperate to leave their abusive father and tiny hometown. With the help of Legend, a wish-granting ringmaster, they participate in his annual Caraval tournament in hopes of escaping. But inside the tent, nothing is what it seems and no one should be trusted.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Everyone wants a chance at seeing the elusive Night Circus. Only the lucky will since it only shows without warning and exclusively at night.
Between preparation, magicians Celia and Marco are preparing for an intense competition they've both trained for since childhood. Refusing to be shaken by its rules, the pair fall in love, but their passion may threaten both of their fates—and the rest of the performers.
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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Desperate for belonging, Jacob Jankowski joins a circus company during the Great Depression. Luckily for him, he almost completed a veterinarian degree, making him the perfect person to monitor the menagerie. In the midst of his work, Jacob is introduced to Marlena, one of the show's stars—who is also married the the evil animal trainer. You'll have to keep reading to see if their love will prevail…
Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco
Most probably know Kerri Maniscalco from her Princes of Sin series, but nearly seven years ago, she wrote Escaping From Houdini, the story of detectives Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell.
The pair were en route to New York to dive into a new case, but as they traveled across the seas, they meet a traveling circus troupe. As they get closer to the destination, more and more performers disappear, forcing them to take a detour and solve the new mystery aboard the RMS Etruria.
The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
This year has been all about rediscovering childhood favorites, like A Series of Unfortunate Events. The series' ninth installment, The Carnivorous Carnival, the Baudelaire siblings visit the Caligari Carnival to masquerade as performers and hide from Count Olaf. But as they continue to stay amongst the circus, they realize he is closer than they thought.
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