This is a decent book but really will only be of interest to side-show enthusiasts. If you do not know who Lavinia Stratton is, you probably will not be able to get into this book. If you do, it is an easy quick read written by somebody with a lot of heart and a fairly quick wit. Be warned though that this book is a product of it's time (the 1979 date is the publication date, this was written throughout Lavinia's life but mostly takes place in the 1870's) so cultural insensitivity and racism abo
This is a decent book but really will only be of interest to side-show enthusiasts. If you do not know who Lavinia Stratton is, you probably will not be able to get into this book. If you do, it is an easy quick read written by somebody with a lot of heart and a fairly quick wit. Be warned though that this book is a product of it's time (the 1979 date is the publication date, this was written throughout Lavinia's life but mostly takes place in the 1870's) so cultural insensitivity and racism abound in her accounts of travelling in other countries.
Bottom line is: This book is rare and I love side show and carnie stories so when I found a copy inscribed by the editor for a reasonable price I bought it and I am glad I did but I probably wouldn't recommend seeking this one out.
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