This book was different to anything else I’ve read.
The main characters, Mim (the half caste electrical Venus) and Alex (the one armed juggler, boxer and acrobat) take turns to narrate their story.
A struggling travelling fair, which has previously relied on acts featuring unusual and deformed animals and humans is given a boost by the introduction of electricity. Mim gives an electrifying kiss to each man for a penny. She leaves the fair and Alex to become a student of the new science but becomes a victim of the times she lives in.
Using authentic and contemporary language, this book touches on the poverty, class and discrimination issues of 18th century England using humour, sarcasm and irony. At times, I was reminded of Voltaire’s Candide.
The main characters, Mim (the half caste electrical Venus) and Alex (the one armed juggler, boxer and acrobat) take turns to narrate their story.
A struggling travelling fair, which has previously relied on acts featuring unusual and deformed animals and humans is given a boost by the introduction of electricity. Mim gives an electrifying kiss to each man for a penny. She leaves the fair and Alex to become a student of the new science but becomes a victim of the times she lives in.
Using authentic and contemporary language, this book touches on the poverty, class and discrimination issues of 18th century England using humour, sarcasm and irony. At times, I was reminded of Voltaire’s Candide.