Carnival Gypsy

by Dorothy Gilman Butters

The new book is the story of Francia Abbot Maccomb and her daughter, Capri, who inherited a carnival at the death of Francia's brother. The troubles they encountered at the hands of the manager, a shady character who hoped by discouraging the pair to get control of the traveling band, their efforts to clean up gambling tents and replace them with legitimate entertainment is only part of the story. The characterization of circus performers, mechanics and roustabouts is well done and the romantic interlude that appeals to the teen ager reader is gracefully and tactfully accomplished. Mrs. Butters seems to have a real knowledge of carnival jargon, troupers and practices and even explains some of the tricks of the trade. If you've always wanted to know how a woman is sawed in half, you can find the answer in "Carnival Gypsy".

Genres: Fiction

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Author Dorothy Gilman Butters wrote children's stories for more than ten years, before she switched to writing adult novels under the name Dorothy Gilman . She is most well-known for the Mrs. Pollifax series about a woman in her 60s who chooses to become a spy.

Gilman attended Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1940–1945 and the University of Pennsylvania 1963–1964.

Gilman was a Unitarian Universalist.

Reviews

[itchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorothy doesn't let up in showing us the romantic side of itinerants. I would've loved being one myself, if given the chance long ago.

[LindaJ^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the Mrs. Polifax series, so when I finished it I searched for other books by Dorothy Gilman. This is one of those I found. The main character is a 15 year old girl named Capri (after the island). She's quite likable - has common sense, is mature, and down-to-earth. When her Uncle dies, her mother Fran, as next of kin, gets his estate. Unfortunately, all the money Fran and her uncle made in vaudeville is gone and the house has a mortgage. Unbeknownst to them, there is also a carnival! Fran choses to sell the house and undertake management of the carnival, determined to make it profitable.

Capri falls in love with the carnival and discovers that her father, whom she never knew, had given her his love of magic. She also makes her first friend and fears for his life when he sets his sights on a show stopping act. And then there is the sabotage.

Written in 1950, it is pretty tame but enjoyable.

3.5 up to 4.0

[Jolene MacFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carnival Gypsy is the second book that this author published and is being republished by her family for a new generation of readers. The age-old love of carnivals is still alive today. Each year the fair comes to towns all across the country with rides, games and food. This story is about a young woman and her mother who inherit a traveling carnival just after World War II. The daughter is excited but the mother just wants to get the placed cleaned up and attract more respectable acts so that she will be able to provide a future for her daughter.

It is a light-hearted tale with some elements of danger and intrigue. Again, this story would make a great edition to your child's reading list. Excellently written and well-told tale.

Recently republished and now available in eBook, paperback and hardback editions! It would make a great addition to any public or school library.

[Jessica Nunnally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likable characters and a fun setting made this book a pleasure. The plot was also enjoyable. My biggest issue with this book is how very badly it needed an editor. I wish I could post a picture of a paragraph to demonstrate. Maybe it's just the digital version?