“The American Circus House” tenderly captures the essence of small-town American life, highlighting both its joys and challenges. The story revolves around Freia, who returns to her childhood home at the age of 30, confronting the house she left and the memories of her past. As she works on her neglected property, Freia is forced to confront the pain of her childhood neglect.
Allison Larkin‘s fifth novel is set in her hometown of Summers, New York, the birthplace of the American Circus. The narrative features excerpts from school assignments discussing the historical significance of old bets, including the beloved elephant statue that anchors the town square and the renowned caretaker of the elephants.
These historical details challenge the conventional narrative, allowing Freia to craft her own story amidst her suffering, and shedding light on her relationship with Bett, whose past remains intertwined with hers.
Flashbacks unveil a history of familial abuse that often goes unnoticed in the community. The narrative unfolds in 2007, introducing various townspeople and locations that help separate current happenings from Freia’s reflective journey, stirring up memories like mud stirred in a pond.
Silver Lining: Freia’s cherished niece, Aubrey, adds depth to the story. The beautifully written and emotional bond between the two characters makes this novel truly worth reading.
Larkin skillfully deviates from traditional storytelling, embracing the beauty of life’s moments as Freia faces various challenges. Whether it’s a mishap in her renovations, a leaky roof, or overwhelming responsibilities, Freia’s experiences resonate with authenticity, amplifying both joy and sorrow tenfold.
As the narrative unfolds and Freia starts to rebuild her life in Summers, we gradually uncover the harrowing events that led to her initial departure.
Through reconnecting with her childhood friend, confronting her past demons, and embracing the realities of adulthood as a homeowner, “American Circus House” chronicles Freia’s journey of empowerment, reclaiming her life and the cherished people in it. In recognizing her resilience and inherent self-worth, Larkin paints a vivid picture of circus elephants mirroring Freia’s life, family, and the small-town experience.
___
AP Book Review: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews
Source: apnews.com