Author: Ellen Bryson
Genre: Historical Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 2.75/5 (better than eh)
Yearly Count: 39
From the Cover:
Bartholomew Fortuno, the World's Thinnest Man, believes that his unusual body is a gift. Hired by none other than P. T. Barnum to work at his spectacular American Museum—a modern marvel of macabre displays, breathtaking theatrical performances, and live shows by Barnum's cast of freaks and oddities—Fortuno has reached the pinnacle of his career. But after a decade of constant work, he finds his sense of self, and his contentment within the walls of the museum, flagging. When a carriage pulls up outside the museum in the dead of night, bearing Barnum and a mysterious veiled woman—rumored to be a new performer—Fortuno's curiosity is piqued. And when Barnum asks Fortuno to follow her and report back on her whereabouts, his world is turned upside down. Why is Barnum so obsessed with this woman? Who is she, really? And why has she taken such a hold on the hearts of those around her?
This book didn't go over so well for me. I was drawn to and loved the timeframe (directly following Lincoln's assassination), and I liked getting some insight into Barnum's museum, but as a whole, the story line was mundane. The characters were a little peculiar, as one would expect in the atmosphere of "freaks and oddities," but there was no depth to anybody. All-in-all, my experience at the museum was somewhat disappointing, but I must give it props for depicting the time period in an interesting way. I learned a few things, and I like that.
My thanks go to Henry Holt and Company and Shelf Awareness for sending me this ARC. The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno is scheduled to be released on June 22, 2010.
Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that - I had great expectations for that book.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one Joy! I just wished it had gone on a little longer and told the fates of Bartholomew and whatshername. Did you guess what she was before the end? My review: http://back-to-books.blogspot.com/2010/04/72-transformation-of-bartholomew.html
ReplyDeleteI just finished a book that had no depth too and I'm telling you without that there is no story!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book, but I think I'll take a pass. Sorry it didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteOh wow....I read a ew rave reviews on this one. Sorry it did not work for you:(
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ It may prove to be a great success for you - and I hope it does. It was for Nicola (below)! :)
ReplyDeleteNicola ~ I guessed what she was the first time she was mentioned!!! (I don't usually do that.) I wish I liked it as much as you. I will be stopping by your blog as soon as school is out! My Google Reader is busting!
Staci ~ It is a vital component for sure.
Les ~ Thanks. Ya win some and ya lose some. I'm on the hunt for some wins!
ReplyDeleteDiane ~ It's just me, Diane. I'm still reading some really good books, but in general I feel like I'm not having a positive reading year. Go with the raving reviews and see if you like it for yourself. :)