Two sisters, one city and the ever unstoppable passage of time. This gorgeous story is a moving look at life in post WW1 and WW2 Berlin through the eyes of two young women, alone, except for each other and follows them as they grow, struggle and survive no matter what life throws at them.

What can I say except I loved this book. I loved the 1920s section, and the glitz, glamour and seediness of the Babylon Circus was giving 'Cabaret' vibes that exuded life and vibrancy. I loved how it acted as a anchor point for each of the timelines of the story, its state mirroring in many ways that of our older sister Leni. Initially full of hope, dreams and a bright future, it, like her becomes run down, tired and loses its sparkle, just existing as a shell of its former self.

There's so much to love about Leni as you hope against hope that she will get her happy ending after fate seems to conspire to keep tripping her up at every turn. She's the responsible one and the one time she tries to act for herself and her own happiness it backfires and sets her on the path she follows throughout the book. Annette, the younger sister, is a complicated character to get along with, at once victim and a kind of villain. She's a complex whirlwind of emotions and it is difficult to sympathise with her until all starts to come clear and loose ends get tied up in the 1960s section.

This book vividly brings to life its setting and realistically flawed characters, it draws you into the story and doesn't let go. Fans of Lucinda Riley and the Neapolitan Novels from Elena Ferrante will likely love it, and for me, whilst it was my first work from the author, it certainly won't be my last.

4.5*

Thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing an eArc of "Circus of Mirrors" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.