Instead of running away and joining the circus, I read books about it. And while I have found the personality of the author tends to insert itself strongly in circus-related biographies, never have I found such an overwhelmingly judgemental one as Frega's. The audacity of her assumptions is mind-boggling, and they continually revolve around Frega's issues of sacrifice for her children. Since the book begins with mention of her losing out on tenure because of choosing "parenting over publishing", it's clear that her priorities are vastly different than the women who are the supposed focus of the book.

It's a huge disappointment, as the "women of illusion"--Babette the strong woman, Betty the acrobat and her artist-daughter Fritzi are fascinating subjects with all the depth, contradictions, and unpredictable emotions and behavior that can make biographies such a treat. Diehard circus fans might keep reading it for these stories, but expect repeat, and annoying, interruptions.

While the subjects do seem difficult to interview,the book leaves me wondering where the problems originated: how can a person open up completely to one who is so openly judgemental? This question aside, ultimately it's the handling of the final material I take issue with, as it becomes downright whiny in places. Basically, the author seems far too suburban-mommy to do her topic justice.