Backcover Description: With Civil War closing in, a small horse drawn circus travels throughout the southeastern United States. During a time when there was no paved roads, few bridges and poor directions between towns, this hardy troupe endured bad weather, tent fires, outlaws and the clouds of war.
This is the true story of one circus family that made that tour. It is a story of a young girl who was a bareback rider and the young man who joined the circus just to be near her. It is the story of a young black man who joined the circus to search for his sister who was still held as a slave somewhere in the south.
It is the story of lifetime friendships that bonded men from the north and south, black and white in a love for one another that transcended the horror of approaching war.
Based on true events and the people who were there, this at once a love story and a great adventure. This is the story of a two and one half year long, six thousand mile journey, and the people who lived it.
Book Review/s to share: March 1, 2010 By Rebeca Sue Robison
You know how you just love the books that you can't put down? Well, here's one for ya! This is an easy read book. I love the way it is laid out. It is easy to follow and you don't want to put it down. It doesn't have those l-o-n-g chapters that you struggle to get through. It is an attention getter and keeper. I didn't want to finish it, I didn't want it to be over. I found it hard to believe that this was Mr. West's first book,I hope to see a sequel. Thank you for the interesting read!
By Peggy Krause (Lodi, California)
A delightful and easy read for people who are lucky enough to have circus folks as ancestors. And for the people who enjoy a good love story, this one is a charmer. Set in the middle of the nineteenth century, we get front row seats under the big tent as we watch the ringmaster introduce the Big Show, and watch as the grand performance is about to begin...A very enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to more books from this author.
By Tammy Cooper
After reading The Great Southern Circus , I found it hard to believe that Nick West had not written before. The historical research really opened my eyes to what it must have been like to travel in a circus as the Civil War was approaching. The book left me wanting to know more~ as I reminded myself that this was indeed a "true" story! I so hope he continues to write. It was a great read!!
Most Accurate Circus Book I Have Read, March 8, 2010 By Joe Amos
I have read other circus books and this one seems to more accurately portray circus life as it was in the mid 1800's. My grandfather's parents were both in the circus during this period of time. My grandfather told me his aunt was the most famous bare-back rider in the world. His aunt's name was Miranda Madderra. James Thomas Madderra and Nancy Ann Lawles Madderra were his grandparents. These people are central characters in "The Great Southern Circus". They have been accurately described in this book. This book was very exciting for me. I think you will enjoy it also. I know this family, my family, lived through some terrible times during and after the Civil War. Many of them were involved in awful battles. Sherman marched through the Tennessee River Valley burning everything in his path. None of the family ever had slaves or were in favor of slavery, but they joined the Confederate Army when the Yankees invaded their territory. I had never heard of Nick West before this book, but hope to meet him someday. It seems his father is my third cousin.
By Rachel "Rachel" (Gainesville, FL)
I loved this book and can't wait for Nick West to give us another chapter! It is an easy read and I enjoyed learning how James and Randi fell in love. I had no idea how rough life on the road with a traveling circus was, and "The Great Southern Circus" gives a colorful, passionate insight into the lives of circus-folk. He touches on the racial landscape in the months leading up to the Civil War without allowing it to cloud the story of a budding romance. I would recommend this book to high schoolers and older.
5.0 out of 5 stars Jessica Cooper, March 5, 2010
This review is from: The Great Southern Circus: THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME (Paperback)
I absolutely could not put down this book. Mr. West is SUCH a talented writer and I could not be more thankful to have read this colorful family history. EVERYONE should read this book!
By Norma D. The Great Southern Circus: THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME (Paperback)
I loved this book! The historical theme entwined with a touching love story was endearing. I cannot wait for the sequel. I wholeheartedly recommend this book (& it's sequel when available) as a engrossing and poignant testimony to how much times have changed and how our ancestors endured so many hardships. It is a humbling and accurate portrayal of a life we can only, remotely imagine. Read the book and feel the trials and tribulations our ancestors have endured. Bask in their bonds of family ties and love everlasting (I hope)(the sequel, please!).
By Cheryl The Great Southern Circus: THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
I started this book yesterday and finished it the same night. I honestly could not put it down. I will admit that I NEVER even thought of a circus during the Civil War Era. How dangerous the times were but what a GREAT adventure and love story. I MUST know more about the characters and what happened to them. I'm awaiting a sequel for SURE!!!
By C. Malito - This review is from: The Great Southern Circus: THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
Nick West gives the reader a fascinating peek into circus lives in the mid-1800's. His book is easy reading, yet his use of words gave me several opportunities to ponder events in the lives of his characters. This book is well-researched and well-written. I anxiously await the next chapter in this saga.
April 14, 2010 By Judy McCombs (Aledo, TX USA)
In researching my Madderra ancestors I found Nick West as a fellow researcher. When I learned he had written the story of James Thomas (J T) and Nancy Ann Lawless Madderra I immediately bought the book. The story was riveting and explained so much in such an enjoyable style that I could not put the book down!! The main love story is about the eldest daughter Miranda - and what a love story it is!! My great-grandmother was her little sister, Virginia, but to "meet" the rest of the siblings and Great-Greats has been such a wonderful treat for me. They come alive for me. To know the life of the circus in that era is fascinating!! It is amazing - the hardships and difficulties, and the sheer entertainment of circus life of their time! And what an adventure for them all! Relative or not, it is a beautiful book and can be enjoyed by all ages...I did not want it to end but to continue on and on and on. Thank you Nick West!! You have done a great job!! Continued success with the next volumes! And hurry up!!!
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