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The Show Woman
THE SHOW MUST GO ON ...
1910. With the disappearance of her mother and the sudden death of her father, Lena instantly loses any security she has within the circus she has known all her life. She is advised to sell the carousel her father cared for like a child and look for a husband, or a job in a factory.
Until flame-haired Violet, known to all in the fairgrounds as 'the greatest trapeze artist that ever lived', suggests they go it alone with their own, all-female act. With her outspoken ways and her refusal to marry, Violet is as much an outcast as Lena. What do they have to lose? Recruiting new performers including bareback horse-rider Rosie, on the run from her abusive father, and Carmen whose rainbow ribbons hide the darkness in her past, the four women form an unbreakable bond.
Thrust into a harsh and dangerous world that treats them with suspicion, disdain and even violence, they must forge their own path in search of freedom, security, and love.
Deeply rooted in the Edwardian era, THE SHOW WOMAN is brilliantly realised and expertly interlaces strong female characters, deeply-woven family secrets and heartfelt love stories.
1910. With the disappearance of her mother and the sudden death of her father, Lena instantly loses any security she has within the circus she has known all her life. She is advised to sell the carousel her father cared for like a child and look for a husband, or a job in a factory.
Until flame-haired Violet, known to all in the fairgrounds as 'the greatest trapeze artist that ever lived', suggests they go it alone with their own, all-female act. With her outspoken ways and her refusal to marry, Violet is as much an outcast as Lena. What do they have to lose? Recruiting new performers including bareback horse-rider Rosie, on the run from her abusive father, and Carmen whose rainbow ribbons hide the darkness in her past, the four women form an unbreakable bond.
Thrust into a harsh and dangerous world that treats them with suspicion, disdain and even violence, they must forge their own path in search of freedom, security, and love.
Deeply rooted in the Edwardian era, THE SHOW WOMAN is brilliantly realised and expertly interlaces strong female characters, deeply-woven family secrets and heartfelt love stories.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2025
26 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Emma Cowing
2 books15 followersEmma Cowing is an author and journalist.
She is a former Feature Writer of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards, and two-time Interviewer of the Year. She holds an Ochberg Fellowship in Journalism and Trauma at Columbia Journalism School in New York, for her work covering the war in Afghanistan, and its aftermath.
Emma lives in Glasgow, Scotland with her husband Jonathan and their enormously fluffy cat, Moses.
Her first novel, The Show Woman, was published in May 2025. Her second novel, The Pleasure Palace, will be published in Summer 2026.
She is a former Feature Writer of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards, and two-time Interviewer of the Year. She holds an Ochberg Fellowship in Journalism and Trauma at Columbia Journalism School in New York, for her work covering the war in Afghanistan, and its aftermath.
Emma lives in Glasgow, Scotland with her husband Jonathan and their enormously fluffy cat, Moses.
Her first novel, The Show Woman, was published in May 2025. Her second novel, The Pleasure Palace, will be published in Summer 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 1, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
All the fun of the fair!
Inspired by her own ancestry, Emma Cowing skilfully transports us back to Scotland in the early 1900’s. We meet Lena, who upon the death of her father is advised that she must sell the families beloved carousel and go and find a life outside her community. Lena is bereft and struggling her way through until Violet turns up with big hair a big mouth and a big plan, they should go it alone with their own Travelling show.
After recruitment the little group consists of Lena, Violet, little Rosie and Carmen, each has a past, secrets and a reason to run, but the past has a habit of turning up in the present. There is trouble ahead, trouble mixed with solid friendship, true love and female solidarity and a massive sense of sisters doing it for themselves.
Thought provoking. Inspirational uplifting and upsetting. Perfect for women’s history month.
Samara MacLaren narrates beautifully 🎧
Huge gratitude to Hodder & Stoughton Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
All the fun of the fair!
Inspired by her own ancestry, Emma Cowing skilfully transports us back to Scotland in the early 1900’s. We meet Lena, who upon the death of her father is advised that she must sell the families beloved carousel and go and find a life outside her community. Lena is bereft and struggling her way through until Violet turns up with big hair a big mouth and a big plan, they should go it alone with their own Travelling show.
After recruitment the little group consists of Lena, Violet, little Rosie and Carmen, each has a past, secrets and a reason to run, but the past has a habit of turning up in the present. There is trouble ahead, trouble mixed with solid friendship, true love and female solidarity and a massive sense of sisters doing it for themselves.
Thought provoking. Inspirational uplifting and upsetting. Perfect for women’s history month.
Samara MacLaren narrates beautifully 🎧
Huge gratitude to Hodder & Stoughton Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
May 13, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
A confident and surprisingly dark debut from Emma Cowing! (probably wouldn't have been as surprised if I've read the blurb properly, but I do find blurbs problematic - they so often give away information that I'd rather find out myself...)
Cowing has drawn on her own ancestry to recreate the travelling circuses of Scotland in the 1900s. Our four central protagonists are: Lena, who acts as 'ring-mistress'; Violet, already a very talented and sought after, although volatile, trapeze artist; Rosie, a 'flattie' (someone who was brought up in a 'normal' house) who has devised her own act with pony called Tommy; and Carmen, a Spanish women chased by poverty, previously working as a prostitute in her desperation.
I originally thought the title was slightly weird; shouldn't it be The Show Women rather than Woman, but Lena is the glue that holds them together. It's her who, after the death of her father, decides to start a 'Ladies' Circus' and brings the group together. They all come with their own histories and 'baggage': Violet has been fired from perhaps the greatest circus of all time, and also wants to move away from her family's shadow (they're all circus folk); Rosie is escaping from her own father's abuse; and Carmen is pretty elusive, but steadfast in her Catholicism - what is she atoning for?
Still, Lena manages to brings this unlikely quartet together and they become a real success after a few false starts. That is, until the greater problems begin...
I find this somewhat slow to get into, but I would have liked to see more of the circus's conception and success before the major conflict began, but it sped up in the last 1/2-2/3. I would also have loved to see more of Rosie and Carmen's backstories, as they are both somewhat glossed over, particularly Carmen. Still, the denouement was devastating, so I was definitely invested in the characters.
The final twist was... interesting. There had been clues scattered throughout the book, but it somehow wasn't quite satisfying. The bittersweet ending felt appropriate, but (without going into details) there were some characters who weren't explored fully. Therefore, even though the loose ends were mostly tied up, the bittersweet ending wasn't entirely satisfactory.
This is a hard book because of the subject matter. I love books about circuses, and this is the darkest one I have read. The setting was a bit underused - as I said, I would have liked to see more of the conception of the Ladies' Circus itself, alongside the character development - which was probably my biggest disappointment.
Overall, this is definitely a book worth reading. A great deal of research has obviously gone into this novel, and I loved recognising the various Scottish places and trusting Cowing that the historical elements were correct. What a fascinating niche to write into! With a few more tweaks, this could have been excellent.
I'll look out for Emma Cowing in the future; I'd love to hear more about Scotland (and possibly the circus again if she can write another novel with such a similar setting) in the early 20th century.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy.
A confident and surprisingly dark debut from Emma Cowing! (probably wouldn't have been as surprised if I've read the blurb properly, but I do find blurbs problematic - they so often give away information that I'd rather find out myself...)
Cowing has drawn on her own ancestry to recreate the travelling circuses of Scotland in the 1900s. Our four central protagonists are: Lena, who acts as 'ring-mistress'; Violet, already a very talented and sought after, although volatile, trapeze artist; Rosie, a 'flattie' (someone who was brought up in a 'normal' house) who has devised her own act with pony called Tommy; and Carmen, a Spanish women chased by poverty, previously working as a prostitute in her desperation.
I originally thought the title was slightly weird; shouldn't it be The Show Women rather than Woman, but Lena is the glue that holds them together. It's her who, after the death of her father, decides to start a 'Ladies' Circus' and brings the group together. They all come with their own histories and 'baggage': Violet has been fired from perhaps the greatest circus of all time, and also wants to move away from her family's shadow (they're all circus folk); Rosie is escaping from her own father's abuse; and Carmen is pretty elusive, but steadfast in her Catholicism - what is she atoning for?
Still, Lena manages to brings this unlikely quartet together and they become a real success after a few false starts. That is, until the greater problems begin...
I find this somewhat slow to get into, but I would have liked to see more of the circus's conception and success before the major conflict began, but it sped up in the last 1/2-2/3. I would also have loved to see more of Rosie and Carmen's backstories, as they are both somewhat glossed over, particularly Carmen. Still, the denouement was devastating, so I was definitely invested in the characters.
The final twist was... interesting. There had been clues scattered throughout the book, but it somehow wasn't quite satisfying. The bittersweet ending felt appropriate, but (without going into details) there were some characters who weren't explored fully. Therefore, even though the loose ends were mostly tied up, the bittersweet ending wasn't entirely satisfactory.
This is a hard book because of the subject matter. I love books about circuses, and this is the darkest one I have read. The setting was a bit underused - as I said, I would have liked to see more of the conception of the Ladies' Circus itself, alongside the character development - which was probably my biggest disappointment.
Overall, this is definitely a book worth reading. A great deal of research has obviously gone into this novel, and I loved recognising the various Scottish places and trusting Cowing that the historical elements were correct. What a fascinating niche to write into! With a few more tweaks, this could have been excellent.
I'll look out for Emma Cowing in the future; I'd love to hear more about Scotland (and possibly the circus again if she can write another novel with such a similar setting) in the early 20th century.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy.
April 29, 2025
The Show Must Go On…
1910.
With the disappearance of her loving mother and the shocking sudden death of her father, Lena has lost not only her closest companions, but also any security that once kept her safe within the circus.
Lena is advised to sell the one thing that tethers her soul to her past, the carousel she has known all her life, to throw aside her lofty aspirations, settle down with a nice husband. Or find a job in a factory.
The future looks increasingly grey and one dimensional until one day flame-haired Violet, known throughout the land as ‘the greatest trapeze artist that ever lived’ makes a suggestion that will add much needed colour to Lena’s fate; why not go it alone with an all-female act? How hard could it possibly be?
Along with a bareback horserider, Rosie who is desperate not to go back to her life of abuse, and Carmen, a woman who hides herself in a kaleidoscope to hide her dark past, the four women forge an unbreakable bond travelling around the country to show the world just how powerful and beautiful they all can be, as all women should do!
However, it will be no easy task as suspicion, disdain, violence, and ridicule haunt them every step of the way as they all search for acceptance, security, and even love. Can the unlikely foursome forge their own path or will their fearlessness be the very thing to tear them apart, and Violet has some ghosts of her own she would much rather forget… it’s a shame they won’t let her go that easily…
An Edwardian feast for the senses with enduring female characters, hidden secrets, and a tale of showing the world what you’re made of, this debut is a stellar achievement in storytelling.
1910.
With the disappearance of her loving mother and the shocking sudden death of her father, Lena has lost not only her closest companions, but also any security that once kept her safe within the circus.
Lena is advised to sell the one thing that tethers her soul to her past, the carousel she has known all her life, to throw aside her lofty aspirations, settle down with a nice husband. Or find a job in a factory.
The future looks increasingly grey and one dimensional until one day flame-haired Violet, known throughout the land as ‘the greatest trapeze artist that ever lived’ makes a suggestion that will add much needed colour to Lena’s fate; why not go it alone with an all-female act? How hard could it possibly be?
Along with a bareback horserider, Rosie who is desperate not to go back to her life of abuse, and Carmen, a woman who hides herself in a kaleidoscope to hide her dark past, the four women forge an unbreakable bond travelling around the country to show the world just how powerful and beautiful they all can be, as all women should do!
However, it will be no easy task as suspicion, disdain, violence, and ridicule haunt them every step of the way as they all search for acceptance, security, and even love. Can the unlikely foursome forge their own path or will their fearlessness be the very thing to tear them apart, and Violet has some ghosts of her own she would much rather forget… it’s a shame they won’t let her go that easily…
An Edwardian feast for the senses with enduring female characters, hidden secrets, and a tale of showing the world what you’re made of, this debut is a stellar achievement in storytelling.
November 9, 2025
An incredible & powerful story about female friendship, family struggles and pure joy for the circus! 🎪
I adored the writing style of this one and cannot wait for Emma's next book!
I adored the writing style of this one and cannot wait for Emma's next book!
September 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
March 27, 2025
I went into this book with an open mind and also not quite knowing what to expect and I was left pleasantly surprised. This was a completely different read to anything I have picked up before diving into the world of Lena and Violet who start their own all women's circus show in the Edwardian era. We as readers are taken into the world of the Circus life especially in the unique perspective of women in a time that didn't favour them. One of the things I liked most about this book was the different kinds of women we are introduced to. It told a fresh story of womanhood while shining a spotlight on varying different kinds of women from some strong and determined to some vulnerable and gullible. Emma Cowing done an incredible job brining these women to life introducing us to their back story and characters in a way that made us feel emotionally connected to them, pulling for them like we know them in our real lives. There was also no shying away from the difficulties women in this time and particularly women in the world of the Circus scene were treated.
The drama this historical fiction book presented us with kept me glued! The relationships between these characters were fresh and complex, we explored rivalries, enemies, love, and admiration in a way that was truly captivating. There were several very difficult topics touched on including sexual assault, suicide, child abuse, and violence so be sure to go into this with that in mind and know that it can be a tough read in moments. However, the harrowing moments and backgrounds explored saw us feel deeply emotionally connected to these characters and provided a darkness to the book and harrowing reality that I did not originally expect to see.
As for the audio narration, I felt as though it was executed perfectly. I was able to follow along very well, the Scottish accent made everything feel even more real to the characters and the performance over all was brilliant.
This was drama filled debut novel I would highly recommend especially if you are looking for a fresh take on the historical fiction category.
The drama this historical fiction book presented us with kept me glued! The relationships between these characters were fresh and complex, we explored rivalries, enemies, love, and admiration in a way that was truly captivating. There were several very difficult topics touched on including sexual assault, suicide, child abuse, and violence so be sure to go into this with that in mind and know that it can be a tough read in moments. However, the harrowing moments and backgrounds explored saw us feel deeply emotionally connected to these characters and provided a darkness to the book and harrowing reality that I did not originally expect to see.
As for the audio narration, I felt as though it was executed perfectly. I was able to follow along very well, the Scottish accent made everything feel even more real to the characters and the performance over all was brilliant.
This was drama filled debut novel I would highly recommend especially if you are looking for a fresh take on the historical fiction category.
May 12, 2025
Well what a debut! I absolutely loved this brilliant book full of strong women, amazing female friendships and with a good bit of mystery too!
I was initially drawn in by the cover, which I think is gorgeous, but the characters kept me hooked - Lena, Violet, Rosie and even Carmen (who has less time on the page) were so brave despite all the adversity they’d faced in their lives. There were some heartbreaking moments, but there was also so much fun and love. And I absolutely did not see that shocking reveal coming! Definitely recommend grabbing a copy of this one, or the audiobook narration was also fantastic.
I was initially drawn in by the cover, which I think is gorgeous, but the characters kept me hooked - Lena, Violet, Rosie and even Carmen (who has less time on the page) were so brave despite all the adversity they’d faced in their lives. There were some heartbreaking moments, but there was also so much fun and love. And I absolutely did not see that shocking reveal coming! Definitely recommend grabbing a copy of this one, or the audiobook narration was also fantastic.
April 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
What a beautifully devastating book!
The imagery created of the circus, the roads and the acts were done so well! I was transported into the world of the book.
It took me a little while to get into the story but was intrigued from the first page. By 15% I was in and super intrigued to where this tale was going to take me.
The characters were well thought out and I felt like I could connect with them. The character arcs were so lovely, believable and well rounded. My heart broke for them and cheered for them.
I can't wait for everyone to read this book!
What a beautifully devastating book!
The imagery created of the circus, the roads and the acts were done so well! I was transported into the world of the book.
It took me a little while to get into the story but was intrigued from the first page. By 15% I was in and super intrigued to where this tale was going to take me.
The characters were well thought out and I felt like I could connect with them. The character arcs were so lovely, believable and well rounded. My heart broke for them and cheered for them.
I can't wait for everyone to read this book!
April 27, 2025
Thanks to Emma Cowing and NetGalley for this ARC!
I love a book that can use a circus setting well. Despite being historical fiction, this book felt very contemporary in the way it was written and drew me in right away. This book meets some really dark topics and at no point did it feel like it was mishandled, though anyone going into this expecting all smiles will be looking at the wrong book. Really enjoyed this and I think it is a really interesting concept and shows a level of craftsmanship that you don’t always see in debut novels.
I love a book that can use a circus setting well. Despite being historical fiction, this book felt very contemporary in the way it was written and drew me in right away. This book meets some really dark topics and at no point did it feel like it was mishandled, though anyone going into this expecting all smiles will be looking at the wrong book. Really enjoyed this and I think it is a really interesting concept and shows a level of craftsmanship that you don’t always see in debut novels.
May 27, 2025
This book had a great premise - an all female circus group navigating their way through Edwardian social norms
I thought it was really well written and paced with evocative descriptions of circus life. I loved the setting both in terms of the time period and all the Scottish description and language.
I found the book to be lacking in character depth though, and given some of the dark themes in the book, it felt very surface level at some points.
All in all a decent read, but not one of my favourites of the year
I thought it was really well written and paced with evocative descriptions of circus life. I loved the setting both in terms of the time period and all the Scottish description and language.
I found the book to be lacking in character depth though, and given some of the dark themes in the book, it felt very surface level at some points.
All in all a decent read, but not one of my favourites of the year
September 9, 2025
An excellent historical novel, balanced well between the circus and exploring the hurdles the women faced trying to make their own way in the world. Definitely an eventual reread.
March 31, 2025
as much as i liked the writing style i just don't think i am the right audience for this story But Emma sure can write and i think this is why i was more interested in finshing this book.
September 28, 2025
4/5
LOVED THIS BOOK! Such a fun storyline with its circus theme!
some very unexpected and sad twists and heavy family betrayal!
LOVED THIS BOOK! Such a fun storyline with its circus theme!
some very unexpected and sad twists and heavy family betrayal!
April 14, 2025
I adored this book! I especially loved seeing small Scottish villages featured (I'm looking at you, Galston!) It's the ultimate tale of girl power, enduring female friendships, love, jealousy and triumph in the face of adversity.
I listened to the audiobook, which was brilliantly narrated by Samara MacLaren. I look forward to hearing more from Emma Cowing.
I listened to the audiobook, which was brilliantly narrated by Samara MacLaren. I look forward to hearing more from Emma Cowing.
May 25, 2025
The premise of this book was intriguing and held much promise. The opening scene is a great hook and I wanted to enjoy the rest of the novel.
But I'm afraid this kind of writing style doesn't work for me. It never went into enough depth or dwelt on any plot development long enough for me to feel immersed in the storyline. It gave me a rather superficial reading experience. It was also rather episodic which is a structure I don't really enjoy. Then, finally I felt the character plot arcs felt a bit convenient and contrived and lacked realistic nuance and a non-linear construct.
I'm sure many readers will enjoy this feminist historical fiction, but I enjoy a writing style which has more of a evolved storytelling daring to take time from the plot to give me descriptions, time in the minds of characters and some imagery and metaphor to add richness to the prose.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book
But I'm afraid this kind of writing style doesn't work for me. It never went into enough depth or dwelt on any plot development long enough for me to feel immersed in the storyline. It gave me a rather superficial reading experience. It was also rather episodic which is a structure I don't really enjoy. Then, finally I felt the character plot arcs felt a bit convenient and contrived and lacked realistic nuance and a non-linear construct.
I'm sure many readers will enjoy this feminist historical fiction, but I enjoy a writing style which has more of a evolved storytelling daring to take time from the plot to give me descriptions, time in the minds of characters and some imagery and metaphor to add richness to the prose.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book
May 12, 2025
I loved The Show Woman so much. I read it in a week and all along felt I was on the road with Rosie, Lena, Violet and Carmen - all young women with their own reasons to want to run away and join a new sisterhood.
From the start there is a death to be dealt with, a mother lost, a fight and an abusive house to escape. Emma Cowing holds each of the four cracking characters close to the fire of what they are escaping - this is what has forged their personalities and gives them their drive even as they blossom and grow. They are believable, realistic depictions as a result.
I loved the smells, colours, satins, silks, headdresses, horses, and stews and earthy scents that were so well evoked I felt I was in their wagon listening to their chat and night time drinks .
The 4 women are the heart of this debut novel, but other characters stand out: the menacing and ill Serena, the attentive and handsome Harry and of course Tommy Pony!
A fab book for mid teens onwards.
From the start there is a death to be dealt with, a mother lost, a fight and an abusive house to escape. Emma Cowing holds each of the four cracking characters close to the fire of what they are escaping - this is what has forged their personalities and gives them their drive even as they blossom and grow. They are believable, realistic depictions as a result.
I loved the smells, colours, satins, silks, headdresses, horses, and stews and earthy scents that were so well evoked I felt I was in their wagon listening to their chat and night time drinks .
The 4 women are the heart of this debut novel, but other characters stand out: the menacing and ill Serena, the attentive and handsome Harry and of course Tommy Pony!
A fab book for mid teens onwards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
3.5 stars ✨ Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton Audio via NetGalley for the ARC of this book 🎧
The Show Woman was a fast paced, well written debut novel with lots of character. I loved the concept of the all girl circus act, the setting, and was really rooting for the ladies. I’m not totally sure why but I struggled to become fully invested in them, and that took away from the potential impact of some of the book’s events. I also would have loved to read more of the ladies circus having success and just thriving before the story’s major conflict started, I think then it would’ve packed a little more of a punch. However, the audiobook narration was fab and I liked the twists towards the end. Excellent stuff! 🎪🐴 🏴 🤹🏻♀️🌌
The Show Woman was a fast paced, well written debut novel with lots of character. I loved the concept of the all girl circus act, the setting, and was really rooting for the ladies. I’m not totally sure why but I struggled to become fully invested in them, and that took away from the potential impact of some of the book’s events. I also would have loved to read more of the ladies circus having success and just thriving before the story’s major conflict started, I think then it would’ve packed a little more of a punch. However, the audiobook narration was fab and I liked the twists towards the end. Excellent stuff! 🎪🐴 🏴 🤹🏻♀️🌌
June 8, 2025
I was drawn in by the cover and stunning title pages but unfortunately the cover > contents.
Loved the premise of a novel set in the Edwardian times, circus and trapeze performers and dark going ons within this world, in particular the all female act.
However, I just never felt the dark, brooding, richness needed to bring this world to life and the characters I never really could imagine or resonate with their issues, it all felt a bit 2D. The anticipation of the crowd, the build up, the drama and theatrics of Edwardian circus was missing and the explanations felt a bit of a let down, I wanted to feel and connect more than I did.
This would've been a great novel based on the blurb if it had just been executed better. The cover vs the writing was a bit fur coat no knickers vibes. 3 🌟
Loved the premise of a novel set in the Edwardian times, circus and trapeze performers and dark going ons within this world, in particular the all female act.
However, I just never felt the dark, brooding, richness needed to bring this world to life and the characters I never really could imagine or resonate with their issues, it all felt a bit 2D. The anticipation of the crowd, the build up, the drama and theatrics of Edwardian circus was missing and the explanations felt a bit of a let down, I wanted to feel and connect more than I did.
This would've been a great novel based on the blurb if it had just been executed better. The cover vs the writing was a bit fur coat no knickers vibes. 3 🌟
April 6, 2025
A wonderful debut from Emma Cowing.
1910, Scotland - we follow the lives of Lena, Violet, Rosie and Carmen as they travel the country as the first ladies circus.
There is something for everyone in this story - mystery, intrigue, love, loss, heartbreak and girl power.
I’d have loved more about the lives of each women - Rosie and Carmen’s pasts were a little glossed over - and the running of the circus from conception to success as that also felt a little rushed.
I loved the twist towards the end and the somewhat bittersweet ending.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Emma Cowing and NetGalley for the ARC!
1910, Scotland - we follow the lives of Lena, Violet, Rosie and Carmen as they travel the country as the first ladies circus.
There is something for everyone in this story - mystery, intrigue, love, loss, heartbreak and girl power.
I’d have loved more about the lives of each women - Rosie and Carmen’s pasts were a little glossed over - and the running of the circus from conception to success as that also felt a little rushed.
I loved the twist towards the end and the somewhat bittersweet ending.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Emma Cowing and NetGalley for the ARC!
April 4, 2025
Quite a different story, based around Lena, who is part of a circus community. When her father dies, she soon realises she is unable to continue the ride he used to operate so decides on a new attraction - a ladies circus. The story follows her life and that of those around her over the coming months but also explores her past and family - something she knows next to nothing about.
The book kept me guessing right up to the end - there are plenty of characters in this story so it was quite a puzzle to work out who might be related to who (if at all!) and what secrets had been hidden for years. I did guess the Epilogue though, which felt like a fitting ending.
The book kept me guessing right up to the end - there are plenty of characters in this story so it was quite a puzzle to work out who might be related to who (if at all!) and what secrets had been hidden for years. I did guess the Epilogue though, which felt like a fitting ending.
January 3, 2025
A captivating story to start 2025. This is a descriptive tale of family and friends, fairgrounds and circuses. Rich storytelling and evocative descriptions meant that I stayed up well past my bedtime to finish it.
Be aware that the book includes mentions, of sexual assault, child sexual assault, and murder. None of which is gratuitous or glamourised.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.
This review is wholly my own words and opinions.
Be aware that the book includes mentions, of sexual assault, child sexual assault, and murder. None of which is gratuitous or glamourised.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.
This review is wholly my own words and opinions.
April 18, 2025
The synopsis of this book was so interesting, I couldn’t wait to get to it. I enjoyed our characters in the story and they felt like real people. It just felt very dragged out as a story, like a lot of the time there was dialogue that just wasn’t necessary and storylines that felt very overcomplicated. I just don’t understand what the ending meant and how we came to it. Overall I did enjoy the elements of the all female circus, the way our characters act and their backgrounds but the length of this book really brought the rating down!
April 6, 2025
Circus novel? Absolutely.
This is a solid debut. Set in the early 1900s, it follows a group of 4 women (with one of them being the FMC) as they start up the first women’s only circus show.
The plot was interesting - there were a few twists and turns towards the end which I wasn’t expecting, and it kept me on my toes. What I will say is that there were definitely a few pacing issues - the first 40% or so felt really slow. I understand that the world needs to be built, but it was a bit of a struggle to get into at first. Once it picked up it was really plot focused and driven, and it really immersed me.
The writing style was good - there were a couple of occasions where it took me a minute to work out what was being said between the old time vernacular and the Scottish slang, but I can overlook those easy enough.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC
This is a solid debut. Set in the early 1900s, it follows a group of 4 women (with one of them being the FMC) as they start up the first women’s only circus show.
The plot was interesting - there were a few twists and turns towards the end which I wasn’t expecting, and it kept me on my toes. What I will say is that there were definitely a few pacing issues - the first 40% or so felt really slow. I understand that the world needs to be built, but it was a bit of a struggle to get into at first. Once it picked up it was really plot focused and driven, and it really immersed me.
The writing style was good - there were a couple of occasions where it took me a minute to work out what was being said between the old time vernacular and the Scottish slang, but I can overlook those easy enough.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC
June 18, 2025
The Irish circus themed found family drama novel from my dreams. Convinced she reached into my brain and wrote this. I love this story. Please read it.
March 26, 2025
Thank you to the publisher, author and netgalley for letting me read this book.
The story is set in Edwardian Scotland, and follows Lena, who faces personal losses with her parents' disappearance and death, leading her to join forces with Violet, a fiery trapeze artist, to create their own all-female circus act. They recruit other performers, forming a bond amidst challenges, including prejudice and violence, while striving for freedom, love, and stability. The novel captures the struggles and triumphs of women in the world of traveling fairs in the early 20th century.
This book is a fascinating mix of historical fiction, women's empowerment, and heartfelt drama. Highly recommend!
The story is set in Edwardian Scotland, and follows Lena, who faces personal losses with her parents' disappearance and death, leading her to join forces with Violet, a fiery trapeze artist, to create their own all-female circus act. They recruit other performers, forming a bond amidst challenges, including prejudice and violence, while striving for freedom, love, and stability. The novel captures the struggles and triumphs of women in the world of traveling fairs in the early 20th century.
This book is a fascinating mix of historical fiction, women's empowerment, and heartfelt drama. Highly recommend!
April 22, 2025
This is genuinely one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read. The characters are really well developed and we have a compassionate but naive lead in Lena. The search for her mother is one of the storylines permeating the book but the blossoming relationship with Harry and his enigmatic sister Violet are more intriguing. The female friendships dominate this novel. The tragic Violet/Rosie love story had me in tears. Carmen is a secondary but interesting character too. The circus background conjures up colourful pictures and there were more than a few similarities between The Greatest Showman and this. The rich gawp at the poor strange “tinkers” who barely have enough money to eat at times. Simple scenes like Lena having money to make homemade porridge and the camaraderie of them having a “dram” after the adrenaline of a good show are so nostalgic. I can’t praise this novel enough. There’s no truly vile or horrific descriptions (although incest, domestic abuse and suicide is in this book) so you could recommend it to an older relative as well as a friend. A smash. Well done! Thank you for the ARC Hodder & Stoughton and Emma Cowing. Denise
May 4, 2025
If I were able to 2.25-2.5 would be more accurate.
Up til about 90% or just under, I was with this book as a powerful story about friendship, found family, and sisterhood. But I was unconvinced by nearly every plot twist after that point: what happened to Violet, you want me to believe she didn't notice before she leapt something was wrong? And the conversation with Mary, Serena, and Harry, Lena, and Mary. plus the whole thing with who was behind Violet's accident.
I was painfully unconvinced.
Also the inconsistent accenting of the dialogue was irritating. Either give people the accents consistently or don't. Having the odd "cannae" "dinnae" was just unnecessary.
The fact this was inspired by Cowing's own family history was interesting and added a personal touch.
Shame about the last 10-12% of things though.
Up til about 90% or just under, I was with this book as a powerful story about friendship, found family, and sisterhood. But I was unconvinced by nearly every plot twist after that point: what happened to Violet, you want me to believe she didn't notice before she leapt something was wrong? And the conversation with Mary, Serena, and Harry, Lena, and Mary. plus the whole thing with who was behind Violet's accident.
I was painfully unconvinced.
Also the inconsistent accenting of the dialogue was irritating. Either give people the accents consistently or don't. Having the odd "cannae" "dinnae" was just unnecessary.
The fact this was inspired by Cowing's own family history was interesting and added a personal touch.
Shame about the last 10-12% of things though.
May 11, 2025
very disappointing
the theme, insofar as there is one, seems to be "all men are bastards who only exist to make women suffer"
there's a cute pony and cute lesbians, but something horrible happens to them halfway through, and after that I had no desire to continue
DNF
the theme, insofar as there is one, seems to be "all men are bastards who only exist to make women suffer"
there's a cute pony and cute lesbians, but something horrible happens to them halfway through, and after that I had no desire to continue
DNF
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