Rita Donovan's Daisy Circus

 

Donovan's Daisy Circus offers a poignant exploration of identity, family dynamics, and personal transformation. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Montreal—a city undergoing significant change—the narrative follows Daisy, a stand-up comedian, as she navigates the complexities of her upbringing and the evolving circus world.

The story begins with Daisy's mother, Gail, embarking on a new life in Montreal. After a brief relationship with Tommy Rory, she gives up her first child and later marries Nick, with whom she has two children: Daisy and Drake. Initially, Daisy is referred to simply as "the girl," her name undisclosed. At some point, she adopts the name Daisy, allowing others to call her by it.

Throughout her childhood, Daisy feels neglected, receiving little affection from her parents, who instead lavish love on Drake. However, at the age of 11, Drake becomes a cripple due to an accident, leading to significant changes in the family dynamic. Gail and Nick's relationship begins to deteriorate, and eventually, Nick leaves with Drake, stating his desire to care for him independently. Despite this, he ensures that Gail and Daisy are provided for financially. Nick later remarries Betty Martel, who treats Drake well and cares for him. Over time, Gail and Daisy's relationship improves, and Gail also mends her bond with her own mother.

As the narrative progresses, Daisy grapples with the loss of her brother and the impact it has on her sense of self. The story culminates in a portrayal of Daisy's apparent mental unraveling, symbolized by the image of a naked woman wandering—a representation of her internal turmoil.

While the novel delves deeply into themes of family and personal growth, its non-linear narrative structure posed challenges for me. The interspersed memories and internal monologues disrupted the flow, making the plot difficult to follow at times. Additionally, the inclusion of poetry, such as lines from ee cummings, adds a layer of abstraction that may blur the line between reality and perception. Moreover, the Canadian context may also have led me to misunderstand certain relevant points in the novel. 

In conclusion, while Daisy Circus offers a rich tapestry of emotional depth and character development, its complex narrative style did not resonate with me. I would not include this in my favourites.