The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron - A Book Review

   

     Kristy Cambron provides us a wonderful glimpse into the backstory of circus life. In contrast to today’s view filtered through the words of animal rights activists and reports of charlatans among the circus community, Cambron shows us a group of people who cared deeply for one another and for the animals in their care. While not all relationships are perfect (why would a circus be any different than any other social group), we see a family-like unit form among the nomadic circus management and employees.

     The Ringmaster’s Wife is a story of transitions: transitions from what might be considered the ordinary to the extraordinary, from hiding behind masks and costumes to stepping out in the light, from self-doubt to self-assurance, and from self-centeredness to putting others first. Historical and fictional characters mingle together in this book, each taking root in the reader’s heart. Characters that live on long after the book is finished is Cambron’s trademark. As a matter of fact, I had difficulty getting into this book at first because my mind was still deep within her book A Sparrow in Terezin.

     While this book looks through a different lens than the popular film, The Greatest Showman, the close-knit relationships among those living the circus life and the theme of finding oneself is held in common. I would imagine fans of each will enjoy the other.