Circus - Alistair Maclean

 The Inception of the base stories which generally are themed in today’s times goes back long into years. One such book which can be tagged as an inspiration for a lot of stories going around is Alistair MacLean’s “Circus”. As a book it can be said to be an interesting amalgam of espionage, thrill, murder mystery and above all the setting i.e. the Circus. Not until last line in the book do you come to know the exact motive and profession of the principal protagonist, i.e. Bruno Wilderman.

First published in 1975, “Circus” cannot exactly be said as to be the best from Maclean, but it surely is a very interesting story backed up by in depth detailing about the working of a Circus. The Premise is simple but the entire execution is quite thrilling. The entire formulation of the story is quite commercial at the first reading, but it surely required detailing at the execution level and it does not disappoint on that front. The readers are surely informed about dozens of unknown incidents within a normal circus in the disguise of the events in the story.

The structure of the plot it seems was surely made in a manner in which could automatically facilitate a possible motion picture drama like his other bestsellers. One of the most positive aspects about this book is also the fact that, the language has been kept very simple and reader friendly. It connects with you instantly. Of course, considering the time period during which it was written, it could be said that the proceedings may be found to be slow to the current generation of readers, but taking nothing away from the author, the steady writing does make you enjoy the thrill ride.

The Circus performances which have been described here in gives you a rush for excitement and thrill. Thinking about the acts, especially, “The Black Eagles” act, surely was an insight into the level of risk which normal circus players go through on daily basis. The entire espionage angle, bugging of rooms by secret mystery agents were thrills which added good interest to the overall setting of the circus.

The book starts with a diagram of a location “Lubylan Fortress” which is the central part of the plot and the ultimate destination for which the entire settings are put into place. The connection with events explained later on in the book and the diagram has been established very smoothly. The reader can actually look back on to the diagram to visualize the narrative on that part.

What also spell bounds us giving some thought is the fact that, Maclean being a School master by profession after his stint in the war, could actually visualize such a thrilling plot, perhaps his stint in the Second World war had something to do with it.

“Circus” as a story and a book gives you an insight into the world of Circus combined with thrilling espionage. The main plan of events connects well to the reason for keeping the entire Circus as the major central attention of the plot. “Circus” as a book will also give the readers a lot of events which they would have seen in dozens of films which released later on. The recollection of those in the mind while reading surely brings a smile on the face.