“Circus Home” by Jason Ollander-Krane is a richly textured and unique novel that offers an engaging glimpse into the lives of circus and carnival performers through the eyes of a compelling protagonist.
Table of Contents
Review
In “Circus Home,” Jason Ollander-Krane takes readers on a vibrant journey through the colorful world of circus and carnival performers. From the very first page, the reader is drawn into a kaleidoscope of life, love, and nostalgia, brilliantly splashed with the history and spirit of New Jersey. The story is both heartfelt and humorous, capturing the essence of a community bound by their extraordinary profession.
The novel follows Brendan Hardy, a retired circus performer who chooses to spend his twilight years in the New Jersey Home for Retired Circus and Carnival Performers. The narrative alternates between Brendan’s present-day experiences in the home and his vivid recollections of a life spent under the big top. Through Brendan’s eyes, readers experience the camaraderie, challenges, and unique joys of circus life, as well as the profound personal connections that define his journey.
Ollander-Krane’s content is richly layered, providing deep insights into the world of circus performers. The writing style is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of the characters. The book has a strong appeal to its target audience—those who appreciate character-driven stories and historical fiction with a twist. The uniqueness of the setting and premise sets this book apart from typical literary offerings, giving readers an original and fresh perspective. The editing is generally solid, though the text could benefit from a bit more tightening to maintain a consistent pace. One of the book’s standout factors is its “it” factor, a blend of heartfelt storytelling and a unique setting that enhances its marketability.
This book may not resonate with readers who prefer fast-paced plots or those uninterested in character-driven tales. However, it is a treasure for those who enjoy deep looks into unique settings, historical fiction enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the behind-the-scenes lives of performers.
In summation, “Circus Home” is a significant contribution to the literary world as it offers readers a novel that is both entertaining and enlightening. Ollander-Krane’s ability to blend humor, history, and heartfelt moments creates a memorable reading experience. The book’s strength lies in its unique subject matter and the author’s talent for vivid storytelling, promising a delightful journey for those willing to step into the whimsical and poignant world of circus life.
About the Author
Jason Ollander-Krane’s life has been a mix of theater, magic, and corporate leadership. Raised in a home brimming with theatrical flair—his father a pit orchestra conductor and his mother a costume designer—Jason was destined for the spotlight. His passion ignited at five when he met John Raitt backstage after a performance of Carousel, pledging then to pursue a life on stage.
By eight, he was entertaining his grandparents with lip-synced renditions of The Music Man. At nine, legendary mime Marcel Marceau introduced him to the art of mime. By ten, he secured his first professional theater job building sets at the Tenthouse Theater in Highland Park, Illinois. At eleven, he earned his FCC radio operator’s license and hosted his own show.
Jason’s academic journey led him to Rutgers College, where he studied English Literature while pursuing acting in New York City. When not on stage or auditioning, he could often be found in midtown Manhattan’s magic shops, mingling with veteran magicians.
Transitioning from the arts to the corporate world, Jason built an impressive 45-year career in human resources (HR). He became an HR executive in Silicon Valley, contributing to three startups, including his own company, which he led as CEO for 11 years. His executive roles spanned companies like Polycom, Informatica Corporation, and Sony PlayStation. He retired as Vice President of Organization Effectiveness, shifting his focus to writing fiction full-time.
A lover of travel, Jason avidly attends theater, cabaret, and music performances worldwide. He now resides in the California desert with his husband, Rob, continuing to embrace his lifelong love for storytelling and the arts.
Book Details
- Title: Circus Home: A Novel of Life, Love and New Jersey
- Author: Jason Ollander-Krane
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Theme: Magical Realism, Circus Life, Love, Nostalgia
- Publication Date: 19 October 2022
- ISBN or ASIN: B0BK12PMN3
- Number of Pages: 322
- Minimum Audience Age:
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 1 – Minor, not a central focus.
- Religious themes: 0 – Absent from the narrative.
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 1 – Rare, minimal descriptions.
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 3 – Frequent, fits character dialogue.
- Other adult themes: 2 – Some mature content related to aging, nostalgia.
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 5 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 5.0 out of 5
Links
Disclaimer: The content provided by The Chrysalis BREW Project is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in our reviews and articles are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Chrysalis BREW Project. We strive for accuracy, but we cannot guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. External links are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult professionals as needed. The use of our content is at your own discretion. Please read our full disclaimer version as well as other relevant policies, terms, and conditions on the links below for more details.
Important Reads: About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer and Disclosure
For more posts like this, here’s the link: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/category/bookish-posts/.
Related
Announcements
Welcome to The Chrysalis BREW Project! We’re excited to offer new service slots to shine a spotlight on your masterpiece—place your order while spots last! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out through our Contact Form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. All the best, now and always—keep shining!
Congratulations to our latest BREW award winners!
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Share this:
Discover more from The Chrysalis BREW Project
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I love historical fiction, and the controversial role that circuses played for “outcasts,” creatives, and misfits is fascinating. We need to acknowledge it was a complex situation between providing refuge for these people, but also, often, exploiting them. I can’t wait to see how the author broached circus life!