The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler

The Book of Speculation takes the reader on a strange, mystical journey, alternating between the past and present lives of a family of circus performers.  The women in Simon Watson's family were adept at holding their breath under water for long periods, however, several of them died from drowning, including his mother.  Simon begins researching his family history, and with the help of an antique circus journal, discovers the full story behind the mysterious deaths.  He becomes obsessed with saving his sister, Enola, from suffering the same fate and attempts to rid them of the family curse.  When I first started reading this story, I was drawn in by the element of mystery, however, as it went along, I lost interest.  The tale became inundated with tarot card readings and "seers" and I grew weary of it.  For fans of magical, other-worldly stories, you may like The Book of Speculation.  There have been some comparisons made to Water for Elephants; of the two I'd choose the elephants.

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