Melanie Benjamin

I really loved this book. One of my favorite pieces at the Met is one of Dodgson's (aka Lewis Carroll) photgraphs of Alice Liddell, the caption mentions the mysterious circumstances of their relationship and I've always been curious about it.

I don't know much about the actual occurences but based on the author's note, it seems like she did a wonderful job melding what is and isn't known with her vision of what happened in Alice Liddel's life. I also found her character Alice to be very human and relatable, and I liked that it showed her at different points in her life.

Really good stuff :)… (mer)

I recently watched The Greatest Showman and really enjoyed it so wanted to know more about PT Barnum and his cast of characters. I had this book in my TBR stack and it offered further insights into the period and people associated with PT Barnum. Although this was fiction a lot of authentic research went into the writing of this book. Mercy Lavinia 'Vinnie' Bump Stratton approached PT Barnum after a short and tumultuous stint on a show boat on the Mississippi. A short statured lady of strong will, Vinnie aspired to more than a quiet life on her parent's farm. Joining Barnum's troupe she became a celebrity and was courted by royalty and society. Marrying fellow Barnum star General Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) she travelled the world and enjoyed enormous success. This book follows her life and career. Her character was resolute and I felt some sympathy for her husband and sister who she patronised. She was particularly cold to her husband and denied conjugal rights their whole married life. Despite this she wasn't a solely unsympathetic character. She wanted to achieve despite the outdated attitude to her status. The book is mostly enjoyable although at 453 pages I skimmed some overly descriptive parts without missing anything. It offers insights into historical treatment of people of colour, physical difference and attitudes to animals. I have read that 'Vinnie' went onto marry a Count or Prince so I hope to read more about her along with more about PT. Barnum. This is the second book I have read by Melanie Benjamin and you cannot fault her research or thorough writing of a piece of history. I will always read more by this author. A long and slow read but very enjoyable.… (mer)