Customer Reviews

The Midget's House (A Circus Story...A Love Story...A Ghost Story)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a fun read. If you are familiar with Sarasota, FL - you should read this book. If circus life is of interest to you - you should read this book. If you like a good suspense thriller/ghost story - you should read this book. Well-researched and well-written, the story carries you along. It was a true pleasure.

It's so nice to read a well-written novel that also contains fascinating information and is suspenseful besides. The Midget's House is all of this and more. My favorite parts had to do with Lucinda's world in the circus (and the story of her forbidden love), but I also loved the suspense story in the present, and the way the author wove the two parts of the book together. Her research must have been extensive, but it doesn't "show;" everything unfolds very naturally.

The Midget's House was listed as free for a limited time and I snatched it up right then. Whenever I get a free Kindle book (I only download the free ones anymore) and I like it, I feel as if I should return the favor and review it.

Other reviewers have gone into the plot details very well; I suggest you read those reviews. I want to say from the perspective of an avid book junkie that this book is very well written. The story just pulls you in. I could see it on bookshelves at big chain bookstores; I could see it as a book club pick; in other words, some big publisher should take note of this book and make a lot of money off of it! Thanks for a wonderful read!

*I don't know the author; I'm just your average Jane Reader. :-)

First of all, if you're looking for what most people think of as a ghost story here, I'm afraid you'll be sadly disappointed. This is a story about a ghost, the house she resides in, and the woman that owns it.

That said, I *loved* this book. Had great difficulty putting it down. The narrative is split between three story lines - that of Lucinda, a performer in a circus sideshow in the 1920s; Lucinda's ghost, residing in her old house in present-day Sarasota, Florida; and Marisa, who owns Lucinda's old house. The three storylines weave together, never fully intersecting till the end of the book. It's more of a mystery than a ghost story, as readers are drawn through the story to find the truth about what happened.

I gave the book four stars only because Marisa's narrative didn't hold me as well. I found myself wanting to toss it aside and just focus on Lucinda's story. Also, since this was billed as a "ghost story", I kept waiting for the usual haunting activity to really get underway (I love a good ghost story - that was what attracted me to the book in the first place). It never really did - it was more of an aside.

I'd definitely recommend it to others and read it again, though. I did receive a copy of this book for free, for review purposes.

This book has a few similarities to Water for Elephants but I liked it better. It also reminded me of Rebecca one of my favorite stories of all time by Daphne Dumaurier. I know those two books don't sound like a cross between them would work but somehow it does. Like another reviewer said I felt I got to know these people and cared about what happened to them alot more than I usually care about characters.

I don't want to give away any spoilers but I think one of the reasons its so moving is that you feel sympathy for both the one who is being haunted and the one who is haunting her. The ghost of Lucinda is trapped in the midget's house after her death and is forced to relive her past as a sideshow freak. There is comic relief from some of the characters in the modern day who are bigger oddballs than the freaks in Lucinda's world.

I wish I could do the book justice in a review but all I can say is read this book. You'll love it.

Vividly and tautly written -- the kind of literary experience, perfectly suited to new electronic vehicles, we'll all be enjoying a lot more in the coming years.

Let's just start by saying if you're a reader who doesn't like a lot of jumping around then this book isn't for you. But if you are a reader who likes ghost stories, circuses, tales of love and struggles to hold on to something you care about, then sit down because I have the book for you.
When I received The Midget's House I thought I was in for a good old fashion ghost story with bits and pieces of history thrown in. What I really got was not one but two amazing stories, that end up blending together so seamlessly that you are taken from one to the other without confusion or a break in the flow. The book starts off in the present Marissa inherits an old house from her relative. As a little girl she'd lived there with her mother and cousin, she loves the old house. Yet no one can understand why, except her friend Kelly. Who by the by happens to be all into the occult and paranormal. Everyone else wants her to sell. As the story goes on you learn that Marissa has been dealt her share of blows and I really started routing for her. I wanted her to keep the house and be happy it in.
The other story in the book is about Lucinda, I actually found Lucinda's story a little more interesting. The circus life being one of hustle and bustle. Taking place at the turn of the century, with a war going on. It's a whole other world from today and the contrast is there. Ms Bartholomew did a great job with the descriptions, pulling me in so I could almost smell the popcorn and animals. Lucinda's tale of struggle and just trying to figure out where she fit in was heartbreaking at times and thrilling at others. I also liked Ms Bartholomew's portrayal of what it was like to be a ghost. Just being, there but not. This really isn't a scary ghost story, because you see it from Lucinda as well as Marissa's points of view. Which I felt gave you insight and ability to know what was going on at all times, which in turn helped you understand the story and moved the plot along.
All in all I have to agree with the blurb, this book is "Haunting in every sense of the word..."

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author

As a friend of Anita's I read an earlier version of this book. In that earlier version I felt that the chapters featuring Lucinda and the circus were every bit as engaging as "Water For Elephants," but that the present day storyline was not as compelling.

While Lucinda is still the heart of this book, I'm very happy to see the two storylines now sing as a whole. Readers will find this a well-paced, entertaining and ultimately touching story.

I started reading The Midget's House and could not put it down. I literally stayed up all night to finish this book, and wanted more when I was finished. The characters seemed so familiar and true, I really did wish I knew them. Lucinda especially moved me. It is not often that a book can have such impact.

I read so many books that it is rare for me to single one out. However, this book has so many aspects to keep you entertained. It moves between the past and a love/ghost story to the present and the solving of the ghost/mystery story. With the circus setting and the "freak show" background, it is truly a unique and fascinating story. Great book overall!