Don’t let the setting of a traveling freak show keep you away from this novel. Lisa Samson’s characters are believable and understandable. She explores the heights and depths of human nature in several first-person points of view. The themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and grace are woven seamlessly into the story.

Valentine, with a horribly burned face, is billed as Lizard Woman in Roland’s Wayfaring Marvels and Oddities. Her friend, Lella, known as the Human Cocoon because she has no arms or legs, is beautiful, optimistic, and sees good in everyone.

Drew Parrish is a megachurch pastor who preaches a prosperity gospel but, when alone, mutilates himself with cigarette burns. Daisy is a gifted singer whose mother presses her to diet and undergo plastic surgery in an effort to make her beautiful.

A tattooed and dreadlocked monk has an important role in the narrative.

Drew’s and Valentine’s stories intersect in a surprising way when Valentine and Lella winter in the small North Carolina town of Mount Oak. The intensity increases and surprises await.

The author’s note at end of book recognizes that the disabled are now provided for with more humane and dignified means, and asks her readers to forgive her a little stretching in order to explore the metaphor of Christ’s Body, His Church, in a deeper way. I believe Ms Samson, a Christy-award winning author of 19 books, has done this is a gentle and revealing manner.

September 2, 2008