Author: Gennifer Choldenko
Genre: historical fiction
Similar books: Dave at Night by Gail Carson Levine
Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan
Rating:
 |
| a bit fanciful |
Summary (provided by publisher): An engaging adventure from a Newbery Honor-winning storyteller for readers who love the circus, and anyone who has dreamed of finding the perfect home.
Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.
The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.
My opinion: Choldenko certainly isn't afraid to show us marginalized populations in historical contexts and the harshness of everyday lives. Here we have orphaned/abandoned children coming into contact with circus folk, a group bound to be populated by outsiders. We see these people trying to find a place in life, a place they can belong and feel safe. This is paralleled in the elephants. The young elephant's loving acceptance and general skittishness are a direct reflection of various characters. The plot never digs too deep into any topic, somewhat to a disappointing degree. I might have liked more reflection on the reality of the life Lucy has left behind ,the future that awaited her. Or even more reflection on the things that influence the four orphans, the hurts that have caused the to act out, to act not in their own self interest. Add in the circus which had an almost magical air, a sense of unreality, and I found I wasn't as satisfied with the book on the whole as I'd have liked.
More information: Orphan Eleven releases May 26.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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