Staff Reviews

Of Angela Carter's novels, 'Nights at the Circus' is surely the best example of what this author can achieve when she plays alongside the sharp corners of nostalgia. Evoking the comforting reassurances of fantastical worlds and joyful circuses, Carter offers just enough safety to effectively astonish the reader in the dark spaces she creates. 'Nights at the Circus' follows world famous aerialiste Sophie Fevvers - a woman who, alongside the expected developments that puberty typically brings, grew wings from her back. A life spent exploiting her gift of flight and enchanting a public that's mystified by her abilities, Fevvers takes her aerial performance to the world. Light and airy in tone, 'Nights at the Circus' confronts us with the nature of exploitation and its deceptions. It is an incredibly intelligent work that allows Carter to play in the themes that she most loves, whilst also weaving an immaculate and compelling plot. Funny and devastating, this novel is utter perfection.