The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson: Book Review

 

Sites of Interest: Author's site | P.T.Barnum History | Buy the Book

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company  | Published: June 22, 2010

Hardcover:  | 352 pages | ISBN: 978-0805091922

Source: publisher

         In Ellen Bryson’s first novel, The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno, a dark and intricate story is woven. One doesn’t know if they should be horrified or intrigued by the events that unfold in its pages. The tale is told in the perspective of Mr. Fortuno himself, the thinnest man alive. Fortuno is a member of P.T. Barnum’s famed circus made up of side show freaks and talented performers. Fortuno considers his thinness a gift, and separates his fellow acts into the truly gifted, and the fools, acts that he refers to as ‘gaffs.’ While Fortuno has always loved his life, safe behind the museum walls, he is suddenly discontent. He has performed for a decade for Barnum, and nothing ever seems to change. That is until one night when a mysterious carriage arrives in front of the museum.

          Usually the sight of a carriage means a new act that will be introduced to the other performers in a day’s time. As Fortuno watches out his window, a mystifying veiled woman steps out and is hurried into the museum in the dark of night. The performers’ wait anxiously to find out about the puzzling woman and how she will affect their place in the museum. When she is finally revealed, Fortuno sees just how important it was to keep her hidden this long. She is the most marvelous and wondrous act that the museum has ever seen. She charms almost everyone she meets, but she is not all she seems. As Fortuno searches for answers about the extraordinary young woman, he also searches for the cause of all the mysterious fires that are being set throughout the museum. What he finds out will not only shock and thrill, but keep the reader hanging on until the last syllable, and leave them hungry for more. As Fortuno unlocks the secrets of the peculiar woman, he also unearths secrets of himself that will change him forever.

          I recommend Ms. Bryson’s novel to anyone who craves an escape from the ordinary hum drum book. This story is like none you’ve ever read and will leave you ravenous to sink your teeth into this intoxicating tale. I was extremely impressed to learn that this was Bryson’s first novel due to the intricate web she weaves. While I sing her praises I ask only one thing from the lovely Ms. Bryson….please write a sequel!

-Melony