PLOT: 3/5
WRITING: 3/5
CHARACTERS: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5

Sweet little stories that warm your heart and bring a smile to your face are always the best. They remind you that goodness still exists in this world, thus reinforcing your belief in the power of selfless love. Recently, one story that brought a smile to my face was Anuj Tikku’s The Clown and the Little Girl—a book that tells the tale of a beautiful relationship formed between two unlikely characters: a clown and a little girl.

Who can read it?

The book is beginner-friendly, written in an easy, effortless style using simple English that is accessible to novice readers.

What is the story like? (no spoilers!)

In the world of the Flying Circus, every day is filled with both magic and madness. There are acts to be performed, audiences to be enthralled, heartbeats to be raised, and hearts to be won. Each day brings something new to the circus—new people, new challenges, new hopes, and fresh enthusiasm.

Within this vibrant world lives Bobo, the clown. The circus is not just his home; it is his entire universe. It is the only place he has ever known. Born into the circus, he quickly became an integral part of it, just like his parents.

However, just as Bobo’s career is on the rise with his amazing, laughter-inducing acts, he receives some sad news: the circus he loves and cherishes is in distress.

Amidst the chaos, one relationship keeps Bobo going—the beautiful friendship that he shares with a little wonder girl named Nancy. Little is known about Nancy except that she has fallen in love with the circus; she can always be found nearby, chatting with performers, learning a few tricks, and spreading cheer wherever she goes.

What will this unique bond between Nancy and Bobo mean for him?

Who is Nancy, and where does she come from?

Will Bobo ever overcome the distress he faces?

To discover all of this and more, check out The Clown and the Little Girl.

My review

What instantly draws you to the story is its characters. Bobo, Nancy, Danger Shambhu, Mr. Gokhale the ‘Phantom’, DC Solkar, and Su Li—are richly developed, allowing readers to connect with them deeply within a short span.

The unique setting of a small-town circus immerses readers in a different world, evoking nostalgia for childhood days filled with such entertainment. One fondly recalls how the arrival of the circus was a highly anticipated event in small towns, bringing excitement especially in children. Thus, when it comes to evoking feelings of nostalgia, the book certainly gets some brownie points.

The editing in The Clown and the Little Girl shows considerable improvement over the author’s previous works. I also love the incorporation of AI-generated images which enhances the reading experience and make the characters and scenarios come alive for the reader. By integrating AI into the storytelling, the book bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and modern technology.

My only issue with the book is in the area of engagement. Even though good work has been done on the characters and their backstories, the storytelling still isn’t engaging enough. The narrative seems to be missing a key element essential to compelling storytelling. I also think that both intrigue and tension could be further developed.

In the end, while the book offers a satisfactory reading experience, it does have a significant scope for enhancement. The plotline lays a solid foundation but there is enough space to do better in terms of character development, thematic exploration, and plot intricacies. By working on these finer points, the story has the potential to evolve from a one-time read to a memorable one.