Review: The Electrical Venus by Julie Mayhew
The Electrical Venus started out as a radio drama, also written by Julie Mayhew, which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 back in 2014. Julie has now written it as a YA book, and what a book it is! It’s set in the backdrop of an Eighteenth century sideshow fayre, told from the perspective of Mim and Alex. The story follow’s ‘girl exotic’ Mim, who is essentially a glorified slave in the travelling show along with George the parrot, the other half of her act. George is hilarious, though rarely does what he should. Bottom of the billing and not far off being sold, fellow performer Alex plans a new act to prevent this. Alex’s plans are derailed when Dr Fox comes in with a proposition for his Electrickery act, transforming Mim into The Electrical Venus (where men can kiss her for a penny) sending her straight to the top of the bill overnight. But is this new feeling love?
I thought Mim’s relationship with Alex was incredibly interesting to watch unfold and change throughout, I love the bond they share. The complex and at times manipulating relationship between Mim and Fox was particularly gripping, it showed Mim’s naive side and her need to feel loved, something that’s easy to relate to. The second half was my favourite, so much I devoured it in one sitting. I found the performance scenes gripping and intense, I spent the whole time on the edge of my seat unable to read my eyes away from the pages.
I haven’t read many books set in this period. In fact I don’t think there are many YA books set during this time, which was one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to review it. The writing style, how the characters spoke and the slow pacing took some getting used to. This book is a slow burner but still an extremely rewarding read so don’t let this put you off. It’s such an incredibly beautiful book. I loved the ending, it was everything I wanted and then some. It’s a tricky book to describe, words don’t do it justice. I highly recommend it though!
I thought Mim’s relationship with Alex was incredibly interesting to watch unfold and change throughout, I love the bond they share. The complex and at times manipulating relationship between Mim and Fox was particularly gripping, it showed Mim’s naive side and her need to feel loved, something that’s easy to relate to. The second half was my favourite, so much I devoured it in one sitting. I found the performance scenes gripping and intense, I spent the whole time on the edge of my seat unable to read my eyes away from the pages.
I haven’t read many books set in this period. In fact I don’t think there are many YA books set during this time, which was one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to review it. The writing style, how the characters spoke and the slow pacing took some getting used to. This book is a slow burner but still an extremely rewarding read so don’t let this put you off. It’s such an incredibly beautiful book. I loved the ending, it was everything I wanted and then some. It’s a tricky book to describe, words don’t do it justice. I highly recommend it though!