From Scroll · Debasmita Bhowmik · · 1m 10s
The Great Kanchana Circus
A historical novel about a circus duo's journey home after WWII bombs Burma.
In brief
A historical novel about a circus duo's journey home after WWII bombs Burma. Vishwas Patil's historical novel details a circus family's escape from Burma during WWII but becomes monotonous due to excessive detail. Originally reported by Scroll.
Circus origins
The Great Kanchana Circus starts with Sarang Shinde, a former army man, building his circus in Maharashtra and Karnataka with his daughter Kanchana.
Kanchana's role
Kanchana, an acclaimed cat-handler, drives the circus's success with her bravery and flamboyance.
Family background
Sarang Daaji raised Kanchana as a single father after his family rejected him.
Burma performance
Kanchana and her circus perform in Burma ahead of Christmas, becoming a major attraction.
Japanese attack
Japan bombs Burma on December 23, two days before Christmas, stranding the circus.
Escape journey
Kanchana organizes the safe return of workers and animals as British flee Burma.
Research background
Author Vishwas Patil researched circuses stranded in Burma during WWII nearly 30 years ago.
Excessive details
The novel's excessive detail makes the narrative monotonous and less gripping than its premise suggests.
The essence
Vishwas Patil's historical novel details a circus family's escape from Burma during WWII but becomes monotonous due to excessive detail.
