4 out of 4 stars
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Many people dream about running away to the circus at one time or another, however for sixteen year-old Fiona Finn it becomes an unintentional reality. While living in squalor on the streets of New York City, Fiona’s dad tries to force her to become a prostitute in order to fund his alcoholic habits. After escaping her father, Fiona seeks sanctuary at the Church of the Ascension and discovers an ally in a social reformer named Charles Loring Brice.
Appalled at the way Fiona has had to live, Charles secures her a spot to head out West to Texas on the Orphan Train. After a series of crazy events and a shocking run-in with a circus elephant, Fiona discovers a future that she had never allowed herself to hope for. From the moment we meet Fiona Finn in the young adult novel, Elephant Dreams written by Martha Derringer, one is immediately drawn into her world.
With never a dull moment and written in first person perspective, the reader feels as if they are following in Fiona’s foot steps and experiencing everything as she does. We’re able to witness the beautiful scenery of Texas and the colorful lives of the circus people through Fiona’s wonder-filled eyes. The dialogue is amazingly vivid which complements the gorgeous descriptions and settings of the novel and gives the readers a world in which to immerse themselves into. I felt as if I could feel the Texas heat as I was watching the strong man lift his weights and the trapeze artists flying through the air.
I absolutely adored this novel; I couldn’t find a single thing to dislike about it, other than of course the characters we are meant to dislike. The secondary characters were just as well rounded as the primary characters, leaving the reader with a feeling of contentment at the end of the novel. Each character brought his or her own three-dimensional personality to the novel, giving me a reason to either love or hate them passionately. Elephant Dreams also has the feel of a professionally edited novel. If there were any grammar or editing mistakes they were so minor that I completely over-looked them.
While the novel is recommended for people ages 12-18, I definitely can see many adults get ample enjoyment out of this novel. It is well written and heart-warming while still offering a satisfying ending. Because of all of these good things, I give Elephant Dreams, 4 out of 4 Stars. Honestly, I wish that I were able to give it a higher rating.
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Elephant Dreams
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