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Book Review of The Life She Was Given

The Life She Was Given
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Helpful Score: 3


Along the lines of "Water for Elephants" a look at long hidden family secrets and the dark side of carnival life in the 1930's. Lilly was locked in her family's attic all her life because she wasn't "normal or perfect". Unbeknownst to her father, she is sold to the traveling circus by her mother. The abuse and humiliation and friendship she finds among the carnies is hard to read at times. The focus on animal cruelty, while I'm sure is true, is also difficult. Overall, a good read.