susanvoss18

1790s England. The book revolves around two English families - one from the country (Dorset) and one from London. A circus and poet William Blake play important side characters. I especially liked how the voice actor - Jill Tanner - did the country accents, the low London accents, and the high London accents. I think if I were to have read this, I would have missed out on that aspect as I don't know what a Dorset accent sounds like.

So this country family moves to London to find work and escape grief. Their kids quickly befriend a Londoner kid and the two families become intertwined in both good and bad ways. The circus, which is in residence for several months, keeps both families entertained and employed to some extent. Maggie has a secret, Charlie has a chip on his shoulder, Massie has a crush, and Jem has the strongest potential to turn into a decent human.

Kept me entertained on that commute.