Death of a Circus

By: Chandra Prasad

Narrated by: William Wells

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Death of a Circus tells the story of the Bringlebright Circus, a small fictional troupe traveling the US in the early 20th century, an era when circuses are falling out of favor and only the largest shows are enduring. Initially, the audiobook follows Lor Cole, a young African American man from Connecticut who dreams of leaving behind his provincial past and making a name for himself as a high-wire walker. Upon joining Bringlebright, however, Lor quickly learns the characters who join him under the Big Top have their own stories to tell.

Closest to Lor is Cirella Flannery, a beautiful and startlingly devious fire-eater who has struggled for survival since her spirited days in a juvenile detention facility. Ranju, Bringlebright's reclusive chief animal trainer, hides a history of magic and trickery that may be his undoing. Stalwart, Ranju's young protege, finds solace in his journal even as he grapples with a mysterious connection to Lor. Presiding over the show is Mr. Barnacle, the ringmaster, a charlatan who constantly concocts new stratagems to keep Bringlebright afloat. Together, these performers create a colorful ensemble that illuminates the twin sides of the show: one rapturously razzle-dazzle, the other rough-and-tumble.

Death of a Circus is a novel of multiple narrative lines. It captures the rapid pacing of an adventure story, but it is ultimately much more. Chock-full of circus allusions, Big Top lingo, folklore, and historical detail, it is a far-reaching fairy tale that speaks to the foibles of the human heart and what happens when life is lived both within and outside the center-ring spotlight.

©2005 Red Hen Press (P)2018 Red Hen Press

The End

Chandra Prasad’s captivating novel takes you on life’s journey lived through many characters. Her ability to bring multiple plots and points of view together was truly enjoyable. Each character had depth and meaning and the story as a whole really nuanced the books title.

Williams Wells did a fine narration. I was impressed with his ability to fully capture the broad range of characters Prasade created and give each their own distinct voice and mannerisms. It was a great feat.

Overall I enjoyed this novel. Honestly, I didn’t know what was going happen as the story progressed which made me eager to keep reading. The ending was just right, I believe.

I’d recommend it.

This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

It Was A Decent Story...

Death Of A Circus Was.... Different. It Took Awhile For The Time Setting Of The Story To Meld The Characters Together But Eventually It Worked. I Was Rather Disappointed My Favorite Character "Bump" Story Didn't End The Way I Wanted To But Still A Good Read. The Narrator Was Different Also ..His Voice Was A Bit Much For This Seemingly Simple Story. I Do Recommend This Story If Your Looking For A Adventure That Is Definitely.... Different.