The Circus is a novel by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, published in 1926. It tells the story of a young girl, Mary, who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a small Kentucky town. Mary is an outsider in the town, and she finds solace in the circus that comes to town every summer. She befriends the circus performers, and they teach her about life and the importance of being true to oneself. As the summer progresses, Mary learns more about the circus and its performers, and she discovers a new sense of freedom and joy. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of imagination.
By Elizabeth Madox Roberts · First published 1922 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Realism, Coming-of-Age