Week One - Anticipation + Part I

[Chrissy]

If you've finished this section and want to discuss, here is the place!

[mj]

I'm really enjoying this book so far!
I love how she talks directly to the reader at times ("Now the circus is open. Now you may enter."), and her use of language is delightfully vague and decadent. When she describes food I get hungry.
I usually find myself growing bored if the author goes into too much detail about things like clothes or room decor, but I enjoy it quite a lot when she does it ("A choker of perfectly cut scarlet rubies circles her neck, putting forth a vague impression of her throat having been slit. The overall effect is slightly morbid and incredibly elegant").
Her characters are interesting and the whole thing (a retired Romanian prima ballerina? Actress-dancer-ex-librarian sisters who consult on the side?) reminds me of Lemony Snicket while still managing to feel fresh and different.
I think the only problem I'm having with it thus far is that I have dyscalculia and it makes it hard to stay on top of the time shifts.
Looking forward to part II!

[Rachel]

I am really enjoying the book so far, which is surprising to me because it is set in the past. I tend to not like books that are set too far in the past. I can't get enough of this book though.
I really like the writing style, it sucks me in and I don't want to put it down!

[[deleted user]]

I have to admit that I'm not thrilled. Not yet.

120 pages in and I'm only mildly curious about what will happen to the main characters. I'm probably too impatient.

For me, there's been lots and lots of (beautiful) descriptions, but not enough action. Sometimes, though, authors construct their books this way on purpose. So, hopefully, all will become clear to me as I continue to read.

The circus certainly sounds like something I've never seen before - very imaginative.

So, I will hang on and see what happens next. 🙂

[Sarah]

I started, but I don't think this book is for me. I'll admit to being predisposed to dislike it because all the top negative reviews sounded like they were from readers similar to me. The story is not really hooking me, and like someone said above I need more action and less description. But we'll see, haven't decided if I'm going to keep going.

[Chrissy]

I'm currently switching between liking it, and being kind of 'meh' about the book.
I did get stuck enough to keep reading today which is a good sign for me.
Anyone not enjoying it, please don't feel obligated to keep reading just for us 😊

[Chrissy]

Cathy wrote: "I have to admit that I'm not thrilled. Not yet.

120 pages in and I'm only mildly curious about what will happen to the main characters. I'm probably too impatient.

For me, there's been lots and..."

The description of the circus is the main thing that's keeping me interested. I want to know more about it. The characters I find a little boring so far, but I'm hoping they'll get better as we go.

[Victoria]

What's the deal with Prospero calling her Miranda? I feel like it's some sort of in-joke, that would probably foreshadow something but I don't get it

[Victoria]

So far so good, though it's a bit light in actual plot and heavy on atmosphere

[mj]

Victoria wrote: "What's the deal with Prospero calling her Miranda? I feel like it's some sort of in-joke, that would probably foreshadow something but I don't get it"

I had that same thought- felt like I was missing something!

[Jolynne]

I elected for the audio version, maybe I shouldn't have as my mind keeps wandering.

[Standback]

Prospero is the sorceror in Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and Miranda is his daughter.

I don't know the play either, but Wikipedia mentions:

"The sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation."

The significance might be deeper than that, but this is already pretty clear, and certainly enough to explain Prospero's joke.

[Erica ☘️]

I too am switching between liking it and it being "eh, ok". There's not been enough action for me and the circus intrigue is what keeps me going. Why can't you go in before dusk? What will happen if someone sees you trespassing? Will it really be exsanguination? I am enjoying the beautiful descriptions, but as someone else stated, they can be quite lengthy.

[[deleted user]]

I won't go into any details here about the second section we're to read .... BUT I'm loving it and cannot put the book down. So glad I didn't give up!

For those of you who've said you were struggling with the first section - I encourage you to hang on.