REVIEW
This is a fascinating and culturally rich engaging tale from start to finish with numerous plot twists and exciting moves that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was completely immersed in the life of Lilly Myerson from her horrendous marital experience to her days in the ‘hills’ and then in the circus and beyond.
I don’t think I ever was so maddened and distraught by a character as I was with the ‘husband’ of this woman who sought such violence and control over his wife. And to think that Lilly’s mother is the one who put her in this position is even more disturbing. Yet we later learn the reasons behind her mother’s actions when her secrets are revealed. But the damage to her daughter runs deep. Because after her father dies, Lilly is abandoned by her mother and must grow up in England with her grandparents. Then at the age of eighteen, her mother marries her off to a manipulative harsh Indian merchant. It is a forced marriage she must endure in a foreign country. What follows are gruelling years of submission to this ruthless man, but Lilly’s one shining light is her five year old son.
But even this mother-child relationship is in danger. Lilly takes her son to the circus, without her husband’s permission and he severely punishes her: not only with physical violence but also separates her from her son. She is sent away for three months in Nainital to stay with her estranged mother. Although this trip is painful in that she is unable to see her child, it opens unexpected doors and establishes new friendships that help her build confidence and courage to take action with her life: to protect herself, achieve independence and to create a plan to reclaim her son before his father turns him against her. We meet some fascinating characters and learn more about Lilly and what she is able to do: skills that prove useful when she needs to draw upon them.
The circus is a big part of this story and we get an inside view, just as Lilly does when she becomes a part of it: a path she takes to hide from her husband’s wrath. With Lily on the inside, we learn about the animals and people behind this world of wonder. And the risks they take. It is a tough lifestyle but there is comraderie even for those in competition. Each one has a unique story of why they ran away and joined the circus. Lily’s reason is no worse and in fact gains her much sympathy from its members. Once they see her own dedication to their cause, they take her under their wings. She learns from them and becomes a stronger person. Her love and appreciation for the circus grows. And this bizarre facade protects her for as long as it can, until it cannot. And one day she must face her greatest danger of all. The difference from the past is she is now not alone.
One of my favourite characters at the circus is Belle the elephant: to see how Lilly and her interact is very moving. And how Belle protects Lilly from the peril she must face. It is a very special moment indeed and one that will stay in my mind a long time. And yes, although I have not mentioned Tigers, there are some in the story! They are one of the deadliest animals in the world and working with them is a real challenge as this story shows. But tigers aren’t the only deadly creatures in this world, some humans are, too.
This historical fiction novel is beautifully written with incredible detail – to the point I could imagine being in India and watching the circus performers. The characters were well drawn, each one extracting the appropriate emotion from us whether it be joy, sorrow, anger, frustration, relief. The Trouble with Tigers is a truly captivating story that Roxane should be very proud of as she has done a marvellous job. It offers a complete reading experience with breathtaking visuals, heart-piercing perils, warm friendship meetings and fierce unconditional love. I highly recommend this spell-binding novel. 5 Easy Stars
Thanks to publisher Orion Dash and Netgalley for my review copy.
