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At the Freak Show

by Candas Jane Dorsey

A life lived between identities and possibilities

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Regular price $36.39 USD Sale price $21.83 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A life lived between identities and possibilities

Asa’s story brings together non-binary and gender-fluid identity, music, and the lasting absence of a conjoined twin who died during an attempted separation when Asa was three. As Asa builds a life as a famous musician, the novel also considers the hostility they face and the questions that remain about the sibling they never knew. Visions of alternate universes—including ones where Angelo survives—give the story a speculative dimension alongside its coming-of-age and social-justice concerns. Belonging and self-acceptance connect these strands.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in fiction about non-binary and gender-fluid identity.
  • Readers drawn to coming-of-age stories that engage with music and social justice.
  • Readers who enjoy speculative elements involving alternate possibilities.

Themes

Non-binary and gender-fluid identityBelonging and self-acceptanceGrief and imagined possibilitiesMusic and social hostility

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Asa has spent their whole life seeing another face in the mirror, the face of their conjoint twin who died during a catastrophic attempt to separate them at age three. The lone survivor, Asa has lived their life in between. Assigned a gender for surgical convenience, Asa has at time identified as male, at other times, female. But through music, Asa finds acceptance of their true, non-binary, gender-fluid self.

Asa is unashamed and unafraid, but life outside the binary is not easy. As Asa becomes a famous musician, they must face the people who find their existence a threat. Life as a lone twin is also not easy. Asa knows themself, but must always wonder what could have been. Throughout their journey, Asa experiences visions of alternate universes, some that include the survival of their conjoined twin Angelo, who Asa calls mirror boy.

A stunningly original work that breaks new literary ground, At the Freak Show smashes together speculative fiction, coming of age, social justice fiction, rock biography, and literary mastery to create a timeless, human story about the search for belonging and self-acceptance.

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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.