First published 1962
The provincial circus family arrives in Paris with big dreams and small talent. They want to perform in the grand shows of the city, convinced their rustic acts will dazzle sophisticated audiences. The family auditions with enthusiasm that cannot mask their lack of skill. The established Paris circus performers see through their amateur routines immediately. Rejection follows rejection as the family realizes their provincial charm means little in the competitive world of professional entertainment. Just when their dreams seem crushed, an unexpected opportunity emerges. A farm dedicated to caring for aging circus animals needs managers who understand the performers' world. The family discovers that their genuine love for circus life matters more than spotlight talent. They find purpose in tending to the retired elephants, horses, and other creatures who once thrilled crowds but now need gentle care. The work brings them closer to the circus community than any stage performance could have achieved.
Genres: fiction, family-life, 20th-century, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Paris
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
152 pages · Hardcover · Harper & Row