Superstition

Wallace, Karen. 2006. THE UNRIVALLED SPANGLES.

Meet the Spangles. A highly dysfunctional spirited circus family living in London's East End in the nineteenth century. Ellen, Lucy, Sam Spangle are used to performing in front of large crowds, but do they have the strength and courage it takes to persevere when they're hit with a long run of bad luck?

Ellen is the oldest child in the family. Practically a young woman who could be ready for love and marriage when the right man comes along, she is tired of performing in the spotlight and dreams of life away from the circus. Lucy, the middle child is spoiled rotten--too rotten as it turns out. She majors in selfishness and minors in manipulation. Sam is the baby of the family. A good-natured sort of boy who gives Ellen hope that maybe the family isn't as crazy as it seems. The parents? One is controlling, domineering, and has a temper. The other has a more calming effect on everyone and balances out the pair.

When one of Ellen's suitors sends her a mirror as a present, the selfish Lucy grabs it out of her hands and accidentally drops it. Though no one wants to say that they're 'cursed' with seven years bad luck, everyone is thinking it. And it turns out they're not wrong to be concerned. As one thing after another goes wrong....can Ellen hold her fragile family together? And will she ever live the life she wants? Or is she doomed to live in her sister's shadow?

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