Home of the American Circus - a moving coming-of-age story about second chances and seeking home.

Freya Arnalds is thirty and living a life with little direction. She left her hometown a decade ago. It's 2007, and she is working in Maine as a bartender. After falling ill, Freya returns to the small town of Somers, New York, to recuperate in the house she inherited from her recently deceased, estranged parents. Though the house needs repairs, it will suffice for the time being. She is shocked to find her fifteen-year-old niece, Aubrey, living part-time in the house. Aubrey's mother, Steena, who is Freya's sister, believes she is staying with a friend. As bad as Freya's relationship was with her mother, it was even worse with Steena, who showed nothing but hatred towards her younger half-sister, yet relied on her for help when Aubrey was born. The pattern is repeating itself as Steena is an awful mother to Aubrey. Heartbroken for her niece, whom she deeply loves, Freya decides to stay and help her. Freya finds a job and reestablishes relationships with some old friends she could always count on. 

Allison Larkin's book Home of the American Circus is about finding love and support in unexpected places, second chances, redemption, and found family. Through the repair of the house, Freya attempts to create the home she never had. It is something Aubrey has also lacked. As cold and uncaring as Steena and her horrible husband Charlie are, it's the exact opposite of the kindness and generosity found in Freya's friends. What a wonderful group. So, how does the circus in the title relate? Somers is the true birthplace of the American circus, beginning when local Hachaliah Bailey purchased an elephant he named Old Bet and toured with her throughout the Northeast until she met with an unfortunate end.

Freya and Aubrey endured so much. You'll be hoping they can heal and find their true home. Thanks to Gallery Books for the advance copy.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Literary Fiction.

Publication Date: May 6, 2025.

Please "like" this post if Home of the American Circus sounds like a book you’d enjoy reading. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.