The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont
It was the whistle that drew them all in – that magical sound that cut through the dusty air and told the surrounding world that the circus had come to town. Only this wasn’t just any circus. This was Monsieur Beaumont’s Big Top, and people flocked from miles around to see the talented, unique freaks that made up Beaumont’s side show. From The World’s Tallest Man playing the harmonica while dancing a jig, to The Fat Lady who brought the audience to tears with her recitation of Shakespeare, and even a duo of small men who sang like angels, Monsieur Beaumont’s show changed the way the circus was done.
Tucked behind the curtain of Monsieur Beaumont’s side show, young Emmaline was billed as The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. An orphan with no control over her future, Emmaline spent her days cooped up in her train car, expected to be nothing but a pretty face. All this changed, however, when Peter, The Ugliest Boy in the World, joined the circus. Together, Peter and Emmaline would defy the cages that Monsieur Beaumont put them in.
A story of young love and adventure, The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont invites readers to see behind the curtain and into the truly extraordinary where we will be forced to examine the world around us and the people in it.
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 6 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 7 out of 10
Overall: 7.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: With a quite literal take on “opposites attract,” The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont creates a broadly-appealing intergenerational story of outcasts and romance.
Prose/Style: The novel is paced well, and each character’s voice is quite distinct. Readers will appreciate both how populated and lively the book’s cast is, as well as the enthusiasm of the prose’s delivery.
Originality: The “freak show” focus of novels centered around a circus is popular, and therefore has built-in reader appeal; book does not train this lens on uncharted thematic territory. Still, the strength of the writing makes for an enjoyable read.
Character Development/Execution: While Peter and Emmaline essentially grow together as individuals, the novel hews closer to Peter’s experience and perspective more so than Emmaline’s. This may lend to a sense of imbalance in a reader’s investment, even though the narrative concerns both characters.
Date Submitted: August 25, 2021
Reviews
Amazon
This has been one of my favorite books to read. I couldn't put it down. I cried, I laughed and I was totally mesmerized by the characters and the way Kelli brought them to life. I literally couldn't put it down. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! Let your mind escape from the craziness of this world and into the world of The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont! You won't be disappointed!