The Magpie's Sister

by Kerri Turner

Spotlights and sawdust, secrets and lies …

1911: Sydney, Australia. From the moment the tumours appeared on her face, Maggie Bright knew she would never live a normal life. Abandoned by her mother and then given away by her father, she spent her childhood learning to become the 'Lagoon Creature': part acrobat, part clown, part circus hand. It's not a bad life –Rafferty Braun, the ringmaster, provides her with an ongoing education, and now, as a young woman, she has the kind of freedom her condition could have easily taken away from her. As much as she tries not to, however, Maggie can't help wishing for more.

Charlotte Voigt could not be more different. The talented tightrope walker is a star of the circus, with the entertainment world at her slipper-clad feet. She is also a liar.
When an opportunity arises to try on Charlotte's identity for her own, Maggie doesn't hesitate. She wants to know what it feels like to be admired, to be accepted, to be beautiful. And the circus's sudden decision to cross Australia via wagon provides her with the perfect cover.

Each new town or remote settlement brings the women closer to understanding one another. Resentments begin to fade, but in their place are secrets that could undo the delicate trust they've built: Maggie, with her alternative life pretending to be the glamorous tightrope walker; Charlotte lying about her background, her family, and the reason she reappeared with the circus after several years' absence.

The sawdust road will test their willpower. The truth will determine their futures.

Genres: Historical Fiction

ebook

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Kerri Turner is an Australian author of historical fiction. Her books and short stories focus on female roles throughout history that have been largely overlooked or forgotten, and often include elements of the performing arts.

Her first book, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was released in 2019, followed by The Daughter of Victory Lights in 2020. Her short stories have appeared in several national and international publications, and she has been a speaker for such diverse events as International Women’s Day and the Heroine’s Festival. With a Diploma of Publishing and an Associate Degree (Dance), she splits her time between writing, and teaching ballet and tap dancing to seniors.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1911 in Sydney when tragedy struck the Braun Brothers' Royal Circus with their trademark elephants no longer with the circus. The ringmaster, Rafferty Braun, was like a father figure to the performers and crew, and his heart was broken, but he needed to keep the circus going, for all their sakes. Maggie Bright had been a small child when tumours appeared on her face and when a doctor's diagnosis told her parents it was permanent, Rafferty became her carer, where she learned the ways of the circus, becoming a performer. Maggie, a young woman, and trusted with the figures, accounts and monies of the circus, kept to herself, knowing she scared people.

Delicate and dainty, the tightrope walker, Charlotte Voigt, was a beautiful woman with many admirers. Maggie and Charlotte couldn't be more different, but when Maggie took on Charlotte's persona, the risk of discovery was great. As the circus travelled from Sydney through the small towns and across the Hay plains, heading for Adelaide, many things happened, both good and bad. The journey was exhausting but also illuminating. When Maggie and Charlotte formed a tentative friendship, the lies and secrets both held threatened to shatter their hard won trust. What would be the future for these two very different young women?

The Magpie's Sister is Aussie author Kerri Turner's latest historical fiction novel and I loved it. I first read The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers, then The Daughter of Victory Lights which both earned 5 stars from me; now her latest novel has taken Kerri Turner on to my favourites list. The exceptionally well researched time period when circuses were very popular in Australia, the wonderfully written characters and the gentle, heartwarming story, all blend together with the backdrop of the Australian bush and the aboriginal tracker Nev, who didn't steer them wrong - The Magpie's Sister is one I recommend highly. The cover is beautiful as well :)

With thanks to Echo Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever thought of running away to the circus? This is such a great story set in 1911 and in a circus starting in Sydney where we meet Maggie Bright her mother left her and her father gave her away to the circus, which was done regularly in those days for lots of different reasons, she knew she wasn’t normal with a disfigurement on her face but she has led a good life with the Ringmaster Rafferty Braun taking on a father figure to her even if she has kept to herself, she is part of the show playing Lagoon Creature, but Maggie has always wished for a normal family and maybe one day having children of her own.

Charlotte Voigt was also given to the circus as a baby, but she did go back to her parents’ years later but she ended up back at the circus as their tight rope walker and she was excellent at it and pulled the crowds in but Charlotte had a secret that she kept to herself and she told lies.

When a gentleman comes calling with a letter for Charlotte Maggie steps in and feeling put out by Charlotte after a day out together Maggie decides to take on Charlotte’s identity and write to this gentleman but as time goes by and Charlotte and Maggie get closer, Maggie is feeling a little guilty.

When the circus loses one of its biggest acts the decision is made to travel from Sydney to Adelaide this is a big task and a friendship forms between Maggie and Charlotte a true one but Charlotte seems to rock the boat here and there, will they ever both find what they want out of life?

This was a fabulous trip, one that I have been on and the towns they visited I have too and I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend to any reader who wants and adventure in the circus that has such wonderful characters and shows what a true family can be,

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerri Turners’s book, The Daughters of Victory Lights, was the book that made me look at historical fiction differently. I received and early copy and decided to give it a go. And I loved it. I was so excited to see that she had a new book coming out, and was thrilled when I received a copy from the publisher. The Magpie’s Daughter was a beautiful story, dark at times but full of hope and wonderful moments. And it is set in Australia as an added bonus.

1911, Sydney. Maggie Bright is an outcast. She was abandoned by her parents she the tumours started to show on her face. She found a home and a life with the circus.she performs as the Lagoon Creature and is a general circus hand. People are afraid of her because of how she looks, so she has no real friends, but she wants nothing more than to fit in. Charlotte is the circus’s beautiful tightrope walker and a bit of a rebel. The 2 women couldn’t be any different in the outside, but they start to form a connection as the troupe travel from Sydney to Adelaide.

It is a beautiful story of friendship, of family and of hope. Maggie is an inspiration. She just wants to be happy, to fit in. And she is loyal, will do anything for you. She is pushed to her limits as they travel and yet she stays strong and supports others.

This was a lovely change from my usual dark, murderous reads. Thanks so much to Echo Publishing for my copy of this book to read. It is out now and if you love historical fiction, you need to read this.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Who doesn't love a circus! The Magpie's Sister is an evocative and moving story about an Australian circus and the performers' lives.

The Magpie's Sister focuses on two main characters, both given to the circus, under different circumstances, at a young age. The story is told in the dual narration of Maggie, who suffers from a facial deformity, and Charlotte, the beautiful tightrope walker. The pair start to become friends but lies and deceit will test the delicate line of trust they have developed.

Set in Australia in 1911 I found it heartbreaking at how cruel people could be. This was a time when the circus was the only place people with a deformity could live some semblance of a normal life. Not all circuses were as kind and benevolent as the one Kerri Turner depicts in The Magpie's Sister.

I loved all the descriptions of circus life, the moving from town to town, and the fact that not everyone was happy to have the circus in town. It was a hard life.
The story brought back many happy memories of attending circuses when I was young and also attending with my own children.

Kerri Turner has written a fascinating and heartfelt story of friendship and letting people in. Family is not always the one you are born into!

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
The Magpie's Sister by Kerri Turner is beautifully written and had me hooked from the beginning. The plot is engaging, dark at times, moving and totally inspiring.

The story is set in 1911, Sydney Australia and follows the Braun Brothers Royal Circus.

Maggie Bright has always been an outcast, she performs as ‘The Lagoon Creature’ due to the terrible tumours on her face and neck which she has lived with since childhood.

Charlotte Voigt is the circus favourite and the beautiful star of the tightrope.

Both girls have secrets and lies and as they travel the road to Adelaide they become friends but will their secrets tear apart their new friendship?

This is an extraordinary read, I was captivated and highly recommend the book. Don’t miss it!

Publication date 02 May 2023
Publisher Echo Publishing

Thank you so much Echo Publishing for a copy of the book to read 🙏

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up and take a seat, get ready for the most amazing, spectacular and greatest show ever.
Welcome to The Braun Brothers Royal Circus.
This is one book not to be missed.
It’s 1911, Sydney Australia and circuses are in full swing everywhere.
Maggie Bright has tumours on her face and society has made her an outcast.
Her performance as ‘The Lagoon Creature’ has been her life for many years.
It’s not all bad, the ringmaster and boss has given her education and she settles the takings.
But Maggie dreams of more.
The star and beautiful tight rope walker, Charlotte Voigt is everybody’s favourite but spends her free time telling lies.
When a chance moment happens for Maggie to have a secret identity, to be admired and liked, Maggie jumps at the chance.
As they travel near and far, the two become friends but soon secrets, lies and deception rise to the top and both are tested and forever changed.
I’ve been patiently waiting for a new book from this beloved author, I adored her previous books, and wow, was I blown away.
This is a powerful, moving, thoughtful, emotional and inspiring read.
Kerri is a force to be reckoned with in the historical fiction genre and I’ve been onboard since the first story.
Maggie is smart, determined and kind but unfortunately people don’t see past her physical appearance.
A bedazzling, grand, delightful and captivating tale
It’s beautifully written, plot perfection and era fascinating with some darker issues spread throughout.
Totally hooked me from the start and I didn’t want to let go.
There’s a part of me that would love to see the tale continue.
Do yourself a favour, read this book!

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not have loved this novel more. I was a Kerri Turner fan already of course, I love historical fiction. But I think this is her best yet. I absolutely loved it. Maggie the ‘lagoon creature’ ‘freak’ was just the best; even when she was making mistakes you just wanted to hang out with her. Accompanying The Braun Brothers’ Royal Circus as they travel through ‘sights do unimaginable they seem almost magical’ was the best! I have never thought about Australia’s circus history before and I am so glad I got the opportunity to with Maggie and ‘her people’ . Getting to think about the First Nations experience through Nev, addiction, and catfishing was a really valuable opportunity. I just loved this novel! Can’t recommend it more highly enough

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can smell the sweat of the animals, feel the straw under foot and hear the cheer of the crowd in this historical fiction so well researched it puts your right on the streets of Sydney and on the road with a travelling circus in pre-World War 1 Australia.

While the story itself is fiction, Turner has researched exhaustively to bring a story brimming with life and heart. It follows Maggie, a young woman physically disfigured by a genetic disorder and given away to a circus as a child. An unlikely bond develops between Maggie and the show’s main attraction, Charlotte, famous for her daring tightrope stunts. But their friendship is threatened when lies long buried begin to erupt.

This is a fascinating tale of a period in Australian history where travelling circuses were the main form of entertainment for people living in regional towns - can you imagine the excitement as the wagons rolled into town? The characters, while all fictional, have been drawn from real life and the resulting story is a credit to Turner’s research and storytelling skills.

[Mary Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slow start I really started to enjoy this book. Based on circus life in the early 1900’s roaming by horse and show wagons around Australian towns. It also explains the phenomenon at the time of “freak show people” with the main character one of those who was abandoned by her parents and given to the circus.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book because it is set in familiar places but didn’t have high hopes for its actual literary merits. To my surprise I found this a fast moving interesting read which did a reasonable job of evoking the times it’s set in.

[Kim Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish that her books were readily available in the US. Since they aren’t currently available in print or ebook in the US I’ve had to find them on eBay and have them shipped from Australia. Shipping is double the cost of the book. But for me it’s worth it!! I love her historical fiction.

[Queen Coloman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was particularly impressed by the number of closely intertwined story arcs that all reached satisfying conclusions without feeling hastily or conveniently wrapped up with a bow.

[Lynn Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times it was dark and disturbing but I really enjoyed the story.

[JusMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started off liking The Magpie’s Sister however by the time ghost girl came into the story I was drawn to the story, I no longer liked the story, I loved it

[Tait Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really really good book. It felt incredibly period accurate, and all the descriptions and experiences feel very real.

[Nikita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet read

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and a great representation of circuses in early 20th century!

[Malja · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Golden Age of Circus in Australia was between 1850's to the early 1960's. During this time a circus with exotic animals was assured of good audiences and in the time in which this story is set, many of the isolated country towns throughout the vast Australian countryside flocked to enjoy the thrill and colour of the circus, such a contrast to their often hard and difficult lives.

The read is very enjoyable with the author mainly concentrating on two female characters of Maggie and Charlotte. Both young women have suffered trauma in their lives for which the circus family has helped to heal them. However, for Maggie her physical deformity means that life beyond the circus would be one of continued rebuke and discrimination. Abandoned by her mother and in turn by her father to the circus, her life has been one of acceptance and of value but she always takes time to ensure she is veiled even to the other performers and workmen. The owner, Rafferty has come to rely on Maggie as she has an exceptional memory and ability with regard to the financial administration of the circus, she is the only person he trusts in ensuring the safety of the large cash tin and financial records. Her performance for the circus involves the act of a Lagoon Creature.

Charlotte has run away to the circus, a young woman who ever since she could remember had a great aptitude for balance and is the circus tightrope act, one of great daring on the highwire. For all her  beauty and ability she still holds onto the heartbreak of losing the love of her life to her younger sister which has left her with an alcohol addiction and for which comes to a head as the book continues. She also has guilt for her own actions towards her family but the trauma of her acceptance into the family only after her parents married triggered the beginnings of her alcohol abuse. 

Braun Brothers Royal Circus had the one act that set them apart from others, they had elephants Ida and Hercules. Everyone flocked to see these exotic animals. When Ida dies, Rafferty is left with no choice with regard to Hercules who in grieving (as it is well known now) is unable to leave her. The actions needed by Rafferty mean a great loss to the circus both emotionally and financially and changes are needed if they are to survive.

The read continues with the circus travelling to many inland country towns on their way to Adelaide. The author has beautifully described the ever changing landscape which compliments the story, moving to towns that today have had slight changes to their spelling, such as Balranald. Rafferty is wise in employing an indigenous tracker who knows the land, can read the weather signs and enables them to reach each town with reasonable ease.

[Sally Hetherington OAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s safe to say that this book has left an impact on me, and I’ll be thinking about it for weeks to come.

Set in 1911, the story follows the journey of Maggie, a circus performer who was abandoned as a child due to tumours on her face and neck. It’s a beautifully written story that explores the themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Kerri does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of life in the early 1900s Australia, from the tracker who lead travelling circuses across the country, to the way people with differences were treated.

The book starts off in Parramatta, so close to my home, which made it all the more engaging from the beginning. The imagery and descriptions of the Australian landscape are breathtaking, and the mystery element kept me on the edge of my seat. The chapter lengths were just right, making it easy to get lost in the story. I found it hard to put this book down!

Maggie is a kind, intelligent, and resilient character, but unfortunately, most people can't look past her physical anomalies. It was heartbreaking to see how people with differences were treated during that time.

The Magpie’s Sister is an excellent book and a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction. It's a shame when authors spend years writing a book, only for us to devour it in a day. 😂 Highly recommend!

A big thank you to Echo Publishing for my gifted copy.

[Clare Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerri Tuner is back and better than ever.

I have been eagerly awaiting a new Kerri Turner novel and I was not disappointed.

From the first chapter, which left me breathless with anticipation with an opening scene, you won't easily forget, to the very last page, I was swept away and thoroughly entertained.

The Magpie's Sister follows Maggie, the "Lagoon Creature" a gentle and kind soul whose condition has made her an outcast, but has found protection by the circus which has raised her since a child. Maggie see's all though and she hides her own secrets.

The story also follows Charlotte, the opposite of Maggie with her popularity and beauty but a woman who is as complicated as she is beautiful and who has her own secrets and demons.

The story follows the women as they get to know each other as the lies of both build to where it will all come to a head. The backdrop of the story is the on the road circus with a host of colourful characters, which is fascinating and mind blowing to think that people would travel by wagon across Australia. The back also deals with darker topics such as highlighting Australia's awful and unjust migration policies, but are dealt with in a gripping and moving way that is easy to read.

I highly recommend and look forward to more of Kerri's books in the future.

[Samantha Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that provides a glimpse into the world of the circus at its peak in Australia during the last century. While not popular anymore, I can still remember going to see the circus when it came to town and seeing the clowns, animals - horses, lions (and elephants if we were lucky), and the amazing acrobats. This novel tells us what it is like to be a performer in such a circus - one who is disfigured by a skin condition and is relegated to the role of 'The Lagoon Creature'. However Maggie does manage to move beyond this limited existence as she befriends Charlotte, and they learn, to a certain extent, what it is like to live in each others' skin.
The writing and research is great- the world Turner creates is utterly convincing and both Maggie and Charlotte, as well as the secondary characters, all ring with authenticity. I have to say that while written from the perspective of Maggie, it does have a focus on 'magpie's' sister and how their close bond builds. Can't say I really like her, although I did feel empathy for the way her life unfolded (imploded and spiralled out of control) and much preferred to hear about Maggie and her life. She was, by far the most interesting of the two.
I imagine it will make for an interesting bookclub discussion.

[Lara A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The circus is meant to be a family, but despite living there for most of her life, Maggie Bright still feels like an outcast. However, the demise of two of the biggest attractions generates new opportunities, if Maggie is able to take them.

That paragraph above is a more useful blurb for the book, than the one accompanying my copy, which rather undersells the story. This is unfortunate, because The Magpie's Sister is an excellent book deserving of a wide readership. It is that rare book which is clearly heavily researched, but wears that research lightly, always ensuring the characters are at the forefront. I generally love books set in circuses and this is so evocative of the sights, smells and struggles, particularly as the circus makes it way through the Australian countryside.

[Kate Murdoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story - the author writes with incredible warmth and it’s easy to feel affection for her characters, they’re relatable and real. Maggie is an outsider due to her facial differences and the circus is her family. Her friendship with Charlotte gives her strength and confidence and she realises the people she cares for have their own weaknesses and troubles. The novel reveals a part of history-travelling circuses- I didn’t know much about. It was fascinating how women were more empowered in this world along with the lengths circus people had to go to in order to stay afloat financially. Themes of loneliness, belonging, and connection are beautifully explored.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I truly couldn’t put it down, needing to see how the story played out. The characters are so real …and although fiction, this novel is full to the brim with the history of Australian circuses, the towns and the landscapes of the time. Told with warmth, compassion & great skill by @kerriturner_author
😍👏🏻
#kerriturnerauthor #themagpiessister #historicalfiction #early1900s #australiancircushistory #neurofibromatosis1

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite liked the circus setting of this story and its portal into a rarely explored part of Australian fiction. The characters were original and their stories quite heartbreaking - some parts were hard to read.

[Mavis Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can tell Turner put a lot of time and effort into research for this book. The circus felt real and so did the characters. I felt the storyline let the book down a little. I understand the author's focus on relationships, but I felt it came at the cost of a really engaging plot.

[pollymuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook. Bookclub. 4.5⭐️ this book had it all. The finding one's self, finding family, the beautiful Australian countryside, injustice of the white Australia policy, alcoholism, and of course the circus. I really enjoyed this story.

[Jo Anna Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love to read historical circus fiction, it's fascinating. :3 Love the slow building friendship between Maggie & Charlotte.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story