The Final Confession of Mabel Stark

For anyone interested in circus stories or the big cats, this fictionalized version of Mabel Stark's life is fascinating. The character is feisty and determined, but Robert Hough also writes of the discrimination women faced in the early 1900s. Normally the use of sentence fragments in a novel irritate me, but Robert Hough did an excellent job of using the fragments to impart Mabel's voice and speech patterns. This captivating story took so many twists and turns -- I was never bored. Read this book at the beach or on long flight or just curl up with it on a rainy day. While most of the novel takes place in a circus setting, it is NOT a book for children (or the YA (young adult) section). I'm looking forward to the movie release!

Well, I do, and I absolutely loved this book!!!! I bought it on a whim when I was in a very large book store in Portland, OR. I put off reading it for a few months and then decided what the heck, it looked entertaining. Wow, did that turn out to be an understatement. It was one of those books which you can't put down, but then you are so sorry when it ends because it leaves an empty space in you, one only a really GOOD Book can fill. I have loaned it to several of my girlfriends and everyone of them raves about it. We all know it's not the "True Life" story of Mabel Stark, but the bits of truth that are there are as fasinating as the fiction. I now trust my "whims" when looking for a good book to read, which is an ongoing search as I read daily, sometimes 2 books at a time. Next to playing with my grandchildren reading is my favorite way to pass the day and sometimes even the nights. Suzanne Himmelberg/Missouri

I picked up "The Final Confession of Mabel Stark: A Confession" at the airport. I was looking for a little light reading to keep me occupied during a boring flight, but what I discovered was a fascinating read I couldn't put down. This book worked for me on several levels. Being a writer myself, I was charmed and captivated by the unique 'voice' author Robert Hough gives Mabel. The writing is crisp, clear and wonderfully evocative. You don't just see, hear and smell Mabel's life... you feel it. I found the depiction of Mabel to be far more multi-faceted and textured than the typical fictionalized hero. The Mabel of this book is courageous and heroic, yet at the same time she is a deeply, deeply flawed person. Her poor choices and self-destructive tendancies keep her from true happiness throughout her life. Yet the reader still has sympathy for Mabel and finds an inordinate number of reasons to admire her. Mabel is not the typical 'hero' who is so close to perfect that he or she doesn't seem human. The message in this book is that even flawed humans can contribute in lasting ways. Finally, I found this book to be an intriguing insight into a world that no longer exists. The descriptions of circus life in the 20s and 30s illustrate a time before people grew so jaded... when they willingly suspended disbelief and allowed themselves to truly enjoy the magic and illusion of the circus. If you enjoy biographies, historical fiction or have an interest in an insider's view of circus life you will likely enjoy this book.

I wasn't prepared for the adventure this book took me on. I loved the flavor of the book and despite first thoughts came to love the heroine and sympathize with her. Mabel's circus history was full of fun characters and wonderful moments. I think it's the perfect pick-me-up book for anyone feeling blue. It's like taking a trip to the circus!I cannot wait for the Kate Winslet movie which is in the process of being made.

I was a *huge* fan of Glen David Gold's CARTER BEATS THE DEVIL. In fact, that book ruined my appreciation for most of the last year's fiction. It was a long road back, until now. Hough's great work in this book makes it a *perfect* book to read after suffering Carter withdrawal. Take the early 1900s in American circuses as the setting, light a spot on a unique female tiger trainer, and prepare to be entertained silly. Hough's writing isn't complex, nor is it necessarily lyrical. What it is, if you must know, is perfectly on spot. He works masterfully with the flavor of the piece. It's like going to a great restaurant versus glitzy. He serves you something you go home talking about. This is a perfect book to give someone who's looking for something different to read.