A truly great work of fiction! This book brings light to important issues like postpartum depression, suicide and broken relationships. The story of the circus and its performers was fascinating. Seeing into the lives of those who are "different " and their struggles to be seen and heard was eye opening. The imagery in the book was so descriptive that I could picture where the characters were and what they wore. I highly recommend this book! ( )

This book was both interesting and engaging describing the world of the circus in the early part of the twentieth century. There were many more circuses then than now and the performers achieved as much fame as our actors and musicians today. Not having ever been to Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey on which the Travis and Wells circus in the story is based, I found it all fascinating. This is the second book by this author I've read, but won't be the last. ( )

Mabel was born into the circus. Her father is a strongman and her mother a beautiful woman on the flying trapeze. But mother and daughter are separated. Join Mabel as she searches for her mother. The circus is a large traveling family, full of all kinds of people with all kinds of secrets. Isabella must face her truth when her long lost daughter appears. Experience life, love and loss under the big top in The Weight of Air.

Mabel performs as a strong woman with her father in a European circus. When her father dies, her stage fright overcomes and she is unable to perform. Across the sea, Isabella, an aging aerialist, fights her body in order to continue performing. When Mabel was a toddler, her mother left her to care for her aging parent. She never returned. Now, Mabel leaves the circus with Jake, an acrobat, and travels to America to find herself, and possibly her mom.

This book was pretty depressing and nostalgic. I suppose that is often the case in life, but I don't generally enjoy those types of books. The characters definitely felt realistic and well developed. Although the book wasn't for me, it was well written and well paced. 4 out of 5 stars. ( )

I loved The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy far more than I expected to. The prologue hooked my attention, and I would have read the story in one sitting if I had that luxury. As it happened, I delighted in returning to this novel night after night. The plot never dragged, the characters felt original, and the slow burn romance unfolded beautifully.

Kimberly Duffy, author of The Weight of Air, wove hard topics into the stories of Mabel, Jake, and Isabella. Each character had their own brokenness and each issue was portrayed with authenticity. Insecurity, female objectification, loss of a spouse, depression, aging, and financial insecurity were some of the subjects addressed within the pages. Only a handful of spiritual moments occurred amid the adversity, which may disappoint readers that favor a strong, stated Christian message. I appreciated how each character grew towards healing as well as the theme about personal empowerment. Ultimately, The Weight of Air is a story that recognizes the importance of what parents do (or do not) pass down to children.

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy will be on my list of favorite books read in 2023. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with unique settings. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )