“Vladivostok Circus”: Atmospheric Novel Set in the Far East
Read everything by this author, I’m telling you
If I were to name one contemporary author who absolutely mesmerises me, it would be Elisa Shua Dusapin.
She is French Korean, and her most recent book is “Vladivostok Circus”:
This book is about a young fashion school graduate Nathalie who specialises in stage costumes. She was invited to design costumes for a circus trio working in Vladivostok, a port city in the Russian Far East. This international trio (two men and one woman) are working on a deadly, impressive performance – the Russian Bar. The results of their work will be demonstrated in an international festival – and Nathalie should assist with the costumes for that.
The narration of “Vladivostok Circus” takes place over a few winter weeks while the group is preparing for the festival. It is a story about the relationships, trust, and love.
In Elisa’s novels, not that much is happening. But, you are mesmerised and cannot put the book down all the same. This is her signature writing, and I am here for it, always.
Cultural aspects of life in a remote Russian city – but also of the different countries where the protagonists come from – are really heart-warming, too.
Elisa has a multi-cultural background and the experience of living in different countries, which I can relate to. She is always very attentive and caring with all the language, culture, identity details. One more reason I love her work so much!
Last but not least, “Vladivostok Circus” is sort of a coming of age story. Nathalie travels to Vladivostok fresh out of uni, and the book gives a quick glimpse into her adult life.
In short: beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
I highly recommend this book as well as another Elisa’s work “Winter in Sokcho” which I wrote about here.
You might know that I don’t post book reviews without a beer recommendation. Books and beers, this is what I do.
Today’s beer is Sputnik Hazy Pale by a Leeds based brewery North.
Funny enough, I had this beer while reading today’s featured book.
The style of “Vladivostok Circus” cover and this beer is very similar (both going for Soviet/Russian inspired font and theme). Perfect match!
