Details
Though the title is evocative of rose-cheeked children lined up to watch the cavorting of white-faced clowns and the merry tooting of the calliope, Circus Parade is a work that uncovers the sordid workings behind the multi-colored banners and tents.
Downtrodden beggars, thieving carnies, grafters and brutes populate this story. The social stratification is clear and distinct, and from the top down they're all selfish and scheming. It's not all grit, there's plenty of laughs and some damn good tales that you'd expect to hear from such a motley group.
Almost every chapter is a fantastic story in itself. Learn about the mysterious Moss-Haired Girl, the 300 pound German Strong Woman (and the man that has his eyes on her money), the inebriated Lion Tamer and the 'trailers', men down on their luck or running from the law or life who drive tent stakes and beg, borrow and steal.
Foreword by Harvey Pekar.
Featuring an introduction by Paul J. Bauer and Mark Dawidziak.