The Troupe
Ratings9
Average rating3.7
Vaudeville: mad, mercenary, dreamy, and absurd, a world of clashing cultures and ferocious showmanship and wickedly delightful deceptions. But sixteen-year-old pianist George Carole has joined vaudeville for one reason only: to find the man he suspects to be his father, the great Heironomo Silenus. Yet as he chases down his father's troupe, he begins to understand that their performances are strange even for vaudeville: for wherever they happen to tour, the very nature of the world seems to change. Because there is a secret within Silenus's show so ancient and dangerous that it has won him many powerful enemies. And it's not until after he joins them that George realizes the troupe is not simply touring: they are running for their lives. And soon...he is as well.
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This is probably not a book I would enjoy if a different author wrote it. I get tired of the circus aesthetic very quickly, and the supernatural vaudeville troupe is not a concept I would gravitate towards. Like most novels in that vein, the side characters are way more interesting and likable than the main character. All that said, RJB is a very, very good writer, and because of his style and flair, I ended up having a pretty good time reading this. If you're looking for a lightweight fantasy and enjoy that early 1900s vaudeville theme, you will probably like this one, and if you're a fan of RJB, it's a worthy addition to his bibliography.
Characters : well- written
Plot : exceptional
Worldbuilding : nicely detailed
Atmosphere : immersive
Pacing : page-turner
Masterpiece
