An excellently crafted story of love and life within a depression era circus told with incredible compassion and sensitivity. The first person flashback structure was exquisitely handled; creating two independent yet deeply intertwined storylines within one story. The characters became so real to me, I am tearing up with a mix of happiness and sadness remembering the challenges life thrust upon the hero and heroine.

My only criticism (pet gripe) of the book is the secondary character flashbacks (data dumps) towards the end of the book. They were few and mercifully short, but did pull me out of the story. Other than that, I consider the novel near perfect and thank Sara Gruen for one of the best and most enjoyable books I have ever read.