Description
Ghost Circus
Book Summary
In mid-19th-century New York, a mother and her daughter, Cordelia and Gwenlliam Preston, find refuge in Silas P. Swift's circus. There, while trying to heal their wounded hearts, they spark public excitement: Cordelia, as a dark mesmerist with healing powers, and Gwenlliam, in an environment where spiritualism and the occult blend with daily life. This novel combines historical and contemporary fiction to offer a story of survival, mystery, and redemption in a fascinating and young city.
What is it about?
The work immerses us in mid-19th-century New York, a vibrant city full of contrasts, where new money and innovative ideas like the telegraph, the daguerreotype, or anesthesia coexist with spiritualism, the occult, and talking tables. In this setting, Cordelia and Gwenlliam Preston hide in Silas P. Swift's circus, seeking comfort for their emotional wounds. Cordelia, a mesmerist with healing abilities, and her daughter become the center of attention in the Big Top, while the plot explores themes of loss, hope, and the search for a new beginning in a world undergoing transformation.
Main themes
- Spiritualism and the occult in the 19th century as social and entertainment practices.
- Life in the circus as a refuge and a space for personal reinvention.
- Mesmerism and healing abilities as a historical and cultural phenomenon.
- New York City in its era of expansion and modernization.
- The relationship between a mother and her daughter facing adversity.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in historical fiction set in the 19th century, especially those who enjoy plots with elements of mystery, the occult, and family drama. It is also suitable for those looking for a narrative rich in details about life in 19th-century New York and the world of the circus, as well as for fans of stories about personal growth and maternal bonds.
What this book offers
- A detailed immersion into 19th-century New York, with its contrasts between modernity and superstition.
- A plot that combines the mystery of the occult with the emotional weight of a survival story.
- Complex characters that reflect the struggle for redemption and the search for a new purpose.
- A unique perspective on the circus as a space of freedom and refuge.
- An immersive narrative that maintains interest throughout its more than 500 pages.
Technical specifications
- Author: Ewing, Barbara
- Publisher: Editorial Bóveda
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION, HISTORICAL FICTION
- Collection: NOVEL
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: January 2013
- Number of pages: 595
- Weight: 970 g
Editorial review
Ghost Circus offers a balanced blend of historical fiction and personal drama, with an occult background that adds an intriguing nuance. The setting in 19th-century New York is carefully constructed, and the relationship between Cordelia and Gwenlliam Preston adds an emotional layer that connects with the reader. It is a work recommended for those looking for an extensive and immersive read, with memorable characters and a plot that explores both the historical context and human emotions.