I loved this book. Anyone who has visited a nursing home will begin to think about the people who live there and how they must feel. Jacob at 93 brought tears to my eyes. I thought Jacob’s character as a young circus vet lost some credibility when he stood by and let Rosie, who he loved be abused by August. I thought the ending was so wonderful. I agree that the characters personalities could have been much stronger, but the beginning, middle and end made a wonderful story.

posted Aug 7, 2010 at 7:13PM

One of the best books I have read this year. Well researched. Setting is circus life in the 30s and nursing home present day.

posted Aug 19, 2010 at 1:21PM

It is super easy to get into the time period of this book, even though I have never been on a circus train, I could see it in my mind. The story moves at a pace that keeps you interested, I don't think I want to see the movie for fear it will ruin what I have already created for the characters.

posted Mar 15, 2011 at 10:31AM

It took me a while to get through chapter one (seriously..a year or more) but I finally got through it & LOVED the book. This one will stick with you!

posted Jun 23, 2011 at 12:21PM

As a non-fiction person, I had my reservations about picking up this fiction, fiction no less written by a woman in a male voice. Flaws here and there but by and large an extraordinarily well researched novel, truly capturing the dark under belly of Depression era show biz while shooting out well -placed flares of love, respect, and humanity in more than one character. If you stick this out, enjoy author Gruen’s character progression in Jacob from handler to handled to... As a retired magician with some experience in deception, I strongly recommend this insider’s look at where you’re not suppossed to be looking. Hans

posted Sep 11, 2011 at 4:40PM

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