The Swan Gondola
The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert is a historical fiction novel published by Oneworld Publications in 2015. Set against the backdrop of the 1898 Omaha World’s Fair, the story follows Ferret Skerritt, a ventriloquist and conman, as he navigates the transformation of Omaha from a Wild West town to a city seeking respectability. His encounter with the captivating Cecily, a member of a traveling acting troupe, shifts his focus and intertwines their lives amid the fair’s vibrant atmosphere.
Readers will find a narrative rich in themes of love and relationships, as Ferret’s infatuation with Cecily unfolds against the fair’s enchanting setting. The story explores the complexities of their connection, highlighted by Cecily’s unique role in the Midway’s Chamber of Horrors, where she dramatically portrays Marie Antoinette. As the fair’s magic begins to influence their lives, the novel delves into the interplay of art and performance, offering a glimpse into the characters’ desires and struggles. This edition spans 464 pages and is presented in English, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where romance and fantasy converge.
Official synopsis Publisher
On the eve of the 1898 Omaha World’s Fair, Ferret Skerritt – ventriloquist by trade, conman by birth – isn’t quite sure how it will change him or his city. Omaha still has the marks of a filthy Wild West town, even as it attempts to achieve the grandeur and respectability of nearby Chicago. But when he crosses paths with the beautiful and enigmatic Cecily, his whole purpose shifts and the fair becomes the backdrop to their love affair. One of a travelling troupe of actors that has descended on the city, Cecily works in the Midway’s Chamber of Horrors, where she loses her head hourly on a guillotine playing Marie Antoinette. And after closing, she rushes off, clinging protectively to a mysterious carpet bag, never giving Ferret a second glance. But a moonlit ride on the swan gondola, a boat on the lagoon of the New White City, changes everything, and the fair’s magic begins to take its effect.
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