About the Book ~
Two women--bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance--find together that true strength comes in many forms.
In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When he dies unexpectedly, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham in hope of finding the mother she thought was dead.
Isabella Moreau, America's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. Then her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, and she is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.
As Mabel and Isabella's lives become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden, their resiliency and resolve are tested as they learn the truth of what it means to be strong.
For more information about Kimberly Duffy and her books, check out her website here!
My Thoughts ~
Who loves an exceptionally written circus story? If so, then check out The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy! It's the perfect tale for running away to the circus!
From beginning to end, The Weight of Air resembled a circus -- in the best of ways! Enthralling, beautiful, terrifying, and breathtaking moments are laced throughout each act of the story. The circus world came alive for me! Though these were fictitious circuses, the author's note at the end explained which parts were inspired by the famous circuses of the day. One of my favorite parts was the way Mabel and Isabella's careers in the circus highlighted the objectification and double standards forced on women. Though very different, their experiences proved to be a very thought-provoking way to explore how women are expected or even forced to use their bodies, supposed feminine perfection as determined by others, and how women are often required to ignore or minimize their mental health. Very well done!
The Weight of Air deals with some very heavy things that may be triggering to some readers, such as depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, death, grief, and suicide. However, I never felt like the story was weighed down by these topics. Instead, these common and relatable struggles were brought into the open and illuminated with shame-free light. I greatly appreciated how the author handled these complex subjects and infused love, love, and more love into the conversation. It was a beautiful journey with characters who were neither villain nor hero, but broken people faced with the reviving love of God.
Five Stars ~ The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy is a truly gripping and whimsical tale that will stay with its readers! The Weight of Air is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.
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