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Have you read Orphans of the Carnival by Carol Birch? Post your feedback on the book by 28 October for a chance to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher!

40 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 07/09/2016 17:52

This month we'd like to introduce you to Carol Birch - author of award-winning, and vivid historical fiction. Find out more about her - and apply for her latest novel on the giveaway page.

Orphans of the Carnival - Carol's second book to be shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize - tells the real life story of 19th century 'incredible ape woman' Julia Pastrana, and her impact on the life of a modern-day woman. We've got 50 free copies of the book so apply for yours now.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free copy to take part in the discussion - anyone who has read Orphans of the Carnival can post their feedback here (and you can buy the book now).

Everyone who posts on this thread before 28 October will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by Canongate

Have you read Orphans of the Carnival by Carol Birch? Post your feedback on the book by 28 October for a chance to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher!
Have you read Orphans of the Carnival by Carol Birch? Post your feedback on the book by 28 October for a chance to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher!
OP posts:
lesley37 · 10/10/2016 13:36

really enjoyed this book, not my normal genre, very moving and totally gripping.
Thanks to mumsnet for sending me this free copy.

BearAusten · 10/10/2016 12:59

An oddly moving and compelling book. This is definitely not something that I would normally find myself reading, rather pleased that I did though. It took me aback that this is a fictional background for a real person, Julia Pastrana.

victria · 09/10/2016 23:26

This is the first book I had read by Carol Birch and I will now be looking out for others. I really enjoyed the way she was inspired by a true story to write a more complete fictional history for Julia Pastrana. This was
cleverly interwoven with a story set in modern day London and a connection between the two strands which was very ingenious and I did not spot in advance. I like how Birch came up with an explanation to an unknown aspect of Julia's history and how she used this to bring her story to a satisfying ending. I very much enjoyed this, found it quite gripping, and would highly recommend it to others.

janx · 02/10/2016 18:39

I really enjoyed this book - I hAdn't read anything by the author and will definitely read one of her other titles. The subject was sensitively and imaginatively handled and the pace was just right.

Stujobohm · 01/10/2016 15:08

What a great read... Loved every page... And has introduced me to a different type of genre.

juleslucas · 28/09/2016 09:12

Received my copy at the weekend, quickly read the Afterword which had me intrigued and have made a start, really fascinated as to how the story unfolds. Unlike anything I have read previously, thank you.

Persistentdonor · 27/09/2016 16:52

I have received my copy and am looking forward to starting it this week. Many thanks.

mduhig · 27/09/2016 16:22

I have started reading this and am about 100 pages in. I absolutely love the book. The story is very original and unlike any other book I have read. I am really looking forward to seeing how it develops.....

buddles · 24/09/2016 11:25

Received my copy yesterday which was a pleasant surprise as I wasn't aware I had won! Looking forward to starting this.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 23/09/2016 21:21

Just received my copy. Thank you. It's a gorgeous looking book - looking forward to reading it.

LindseyandMatthew · 23/09/2016 15:56

Just received this, thanks so much can't wait to read it!

MNHQ
SorchaMumsnet · 12/09/2016 10:34

Thanks Clawdy for flagging this! This giveaway closes on 12 September (end of day today) so still time to apply. The links should also all now be working! Sorry for any inconvenience

OP posts:
Clawdy · 10/09/2016 18:33

How can the give away end on the 12th of August when the thread started on the 7th of September?

dalek · 09/09/2016 09:11

The links aren't working for me.

Clawdy · 08/09/2016 11:18

This looks amazing - can't wait to read it. Jamrach's Menagerie was a wonderful book, and this one looks fascinating.