My Top 6 - 'Nights at the Circus'

If someone said I could only read one book, over and over again, for the rest of my life (heaven forbid!) I think I would have to pick this one. It's the most magical, amazing book, and although I have since read and enjoyed more of Angela Carter's writing, this book is definitely special.

The story follows an American reporter, Walser, who is trying to find out the true story behind the supposed 'Winged Woman', a cockney girl known as Fevvers. However, during the course of the interview, Fevvers, with the help of her fierce protector Lizzie, not only tells her story, but captivates, intrigues and enchants Walser until he doesn't know what to believe. Bemused and in love, desperate to know more, Walser joins the circus as a clown, and becomes part of a strange, dark and not-quite-real world presided over by an eccentric American Colonel (?) and his beloved and sensitive pig.

Throughout this tale we meet a variety of characters, each with their own triumphs and tragedies, and each adds in some way to Walser's quest. The world is one of magic, tragedy and coincidence, and written in a way that the text will weave its spell around you as deftly as Fevvers weaves hers around Walser. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Interestingly, I saw a production of this at the Lyric theatre in Hammersmith. While it was a good show in its own right, I felt that it did not live up to the richness and vibrancy of Carter's text, and the actress playing Fevvers was talented, but not quite voluptuous and gutsy enough for the role.

Read this book. It's compulsory!