Category: Literary Fiction John Irving is a master storyteller, and his latest novel, A Son of the Circus, is no exception. This book tells the story of a young man named Alvin who grows up in a traveling circus with his father, an aging performer. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and identity as Alvin struggles to find his place in the world outside of the circus. One of the things that sets Irving apart from other writers is his ability to create fully realized characters that readers can't help but care about. In A Son of the Circus, Alvin is a complex and relatable protagonist who faces many challenges throughout the novel. He is both brave and vulnerable, making him a sympathetic figure for readers to root for. The setting of the circus also adds depth to the story. Irving paints a vivid picture of life inside the circus tent, including the colorful characters that populate it. The descriptions of the various acts are detailed and engaging, giving readers a sense of what it would be like to experience them firsthand. Another strength of A Son of the Circus is its pacing. The novel moves at a steady pace, allowing for the development of Alvin's character and the exploration of his relationships with other characters in the story. There are moments of tension and excitement, but there are also quieter, more contemplative scenes that allow readers to reflect on what they have read so far. Overall, A Son of the Circus is a well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of literary fiction.