The Unrivalled Spangles

by Karen Wallace

Always dreaming of getting out of their father's circus and living normal lives, performers Ellen and Lucy Spangle bide their time and do the work required of them, but when Ellen meets an English gentleman, her hopes for real love is renewed until a disaster strikes and she is forced back into the family business.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Historical, Victorian, Fiction

219 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2005

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I read and loved growing up. I sill loved it (although perhaps more for the nostalgia of rereading it than solely the story itself). It's an easy but gripping read and while some comments wouldn't stand up nowadays, it was a really enjoyable and easy read. I definitely need to reread more books from my childhood.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual and evocative of the era

[Lady Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book when I was on a love story "kick" because I was assured it was a love story. Although there is a bit of romance, this book is so much more about figuring out who you are, growing up, and dealing with tragedy. I thought this book was a solid effort despite some badly written parts (not that I could do any better ... but still).

Ellen Spangle is the ringmaster's daughter, but despite the glamour of the circus, she hates her life. She wants so much more than to be the staring act with her sister, the amazing horse-women Scarletta Sisters. So she hires a private tutor with the hope of gaining enough education to become a teacher or a governess. Her tutor, has an aristocratic (if an airhead) friend named Edward. He wants to painter, but has absolutely no skill. Very quickly and without even knowing her name, he falls in love with Ellen. He comes to every show and sends all sorts of extravagent gifts to her. Ellen hates it, but her sister Lucy is incredibly jealous and plans to steal her sister's limelight by making an addition to their act. A dangerous addition.... Meanwhile Lucy has also begun a relationship with Joe Morgan, a rival ringmaster's son. Ellen is worried about what her sister is doing, but is more concerned with her own muddled feelings about Edward. It takes a series of tragedies for Ellen to see the light and where her heart really lies.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whatever this is listed as, I'd put this as solidly middle grade YA. EVERYTHING is obvious. Characters are paper-thin and clichéd. The love was dull, dull, dull. I couldn’t even care when something traumatic happened to one of the main characters.

This story is about two sisters who are major acts in their family's circus. The main character secretly wants to leave the circus, the other sister loves the spotlight. There's some rich toff that falls in love with the main character and then randomly right near the end the son of the rival circus owner comes into play as a love interest.

Look, this is one of those books where I go "if I was 12, I would probably enjoy it. But I'm 25 now and I expect a little bit more depth out of my books." So take that how you will and read accordingly.

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before i'd read this book, i knew nothing about circus life. I suppose it was as strange to me as Eastern customs are to people in the West, and i enjoyed reading about the Spangles's lives immensely. I especially love the ambitious Ellen, and how hauntingly beautiful her character is. Lucy just annoyed me but that's what the author wanted reactions to be i'm sure. I did love how vivacious Lucy's character was, even in what little of the time she got in the book. It started off with a typical day in a circus performers life, and it was exhilarating to read, and never once did the book lose its ability to immerse the reader.

I loved it. Because of this book, i am actually seeking out more books about the circus life.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ellen is an important member of a 19th century English circus family, but she's unhappy and wants more out of life than the circus. A terrible tragedy forces her to examine her feelings about life and love. This book isn't bad but it isn't great either. It's kind of sad and I was disappointed with Ellen's choice.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, it was dramatic and entertaining and reminded me irresistably of Mr Galliano's Circus by Enid Blyton. Ah, those crazy eccentric circus-folk! I found the main character a *little* drippy but still, a good read.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ask you, how many novels have been written about circus families in 19th century England (with heavy focus on animal acts, and featuring girls on horseback)? NOT MANY. How awesome was this? Pretty darn awesome.

[Sarah Malawani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellen is indeed a talented and smart person. Everything come's out to her naturally. Maybe not seen earlier because she steps out for the people she love dearly but her beautiful heart made it clear to everyone what she's worth.

[Raphael Paulian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really is a pretty story.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting much from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. a gripping easy read.

[Renae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit tepid, but a light diversion.