Jumbo chips at the ‘painted happiness’ of the circus
Review of the novel Jumbo by Stephens Gerard Malone
In a historical fictional novel set in the 1870s and beginning in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, a tiny ten-year-old girl named Nell is sold by her mother and sent to New York City to join P.T. Barnum’s world-famous circus. Nell’s mother had previously exploited her daughter’s size at the local farmers market, charging people to see “the World’s Smallest Singing, Dancing, Horse-riding Woman.” Advertised as the world’s tiniest woman, Nell quickly becomes a star in Mr. Barnum’s menagerie. However, Nell’s life takes a dramatic turn when Jumbo, a colossal elephant, arrives and steals her spotlight.
The heart of Stephens Gerard Malone’s new novel lies in the evolving relationships between Nell, Mr. Scott (Jumbo’s keeper), and Jumbo himself. At first dismayed by Jumbo’s presence, Nell’s perspective changes as she spends time with the elephant and develops an infatuation with Mr. Scott. The author masterfully portrays the bonds formed between these characters, showcasing their unlikely friendships as sources of solace amidst shared grief, mistreatment, and the hardships of their lives. These companionships keep readers hooked throughout the story.
It’s inspired by the true story of Jumbo, an elephant born in Sudan, who was displayed in European zoos before P.T. Barnum bought him for his famous circus.
Nell, Mr. Scott, and even Jumbo find solace in each other’s company and forge unlikely friendships. Their bond, beautifully portrayed by the author, serves as a source of comfort amidst shared grief and mistreatment in their caged life. Their companionship is beautifully detailed, and although tragic, it is something that is vital to the story.
Malone expertly weaves an interesting and realistic tale, shedding light on the eerie painted happiness of the circus world and the truths that lie beneath.
Dark themes may disturb
However, it is essential to note that this book explores dark themes, including misery, animal abuse, and sexual assault. The story’s realism is a testament to Malone’s storytelling abilities, and it is suited for readers who appreciate an unflinching portrayal of the hidden realities behind the facade of the circus.
Malone makes the contents digestible through his fully developed characters, ones the reader empathizes with, sharing in their misery and in their sparse happiness. His writing elevates the book further with vivid description and interesting conversations that propel the story.
Jumbo is a tragic tale that balances beautiful storytelling with heavy themes. Malone skillfully transports readers to the captivating world of the 19th-century circus, where they will be enthralled by the story’s realism and invested in the lives of its characters, leaving the book in the reader’s mind long after the final page.
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