For fans of Orphan Train and Water for Elephants, a compelling historical novel from “one of the best authors of women’s fiction” (Library Journal). Set against the turbulent backdrop of American Vaudeville, four sisters embark on an unexpected adventure–and a last-ditch effort to save their family. It’s 1919, and the Turners are barely scraping by. When their father loses his job, their … father loses his job, their irrepressible mother decides that vaudeville is their best chance to make the rent–and create a more exciting life for herself in the process.
Traveling by train from town to town, teenagers Gert, Winnie, and Kit, and recent widow Nell soon find a new kind of freedom in the company of performers who are as diverse as their acts. There is a seamier side to the business, however, and the young women face dangers and turns of fate they never could have anticipated. Heartwarming and surprising, The Tumbling Turner Sisters is ultimately a story of awakening–to unexpected possibilities, to love and heartbreak, and to the dawn of a new American era.more
This book blew me away. It wasn’t at all what I’d expected, instead it was so so much better. I loved following the Turner sisters’ adventures in vaudeville and in life.
I adored this historical novel about sisters who undertake a Vaudeville career together to keep their family afloat — with plenty of twists and turns (literal and figurative!) along the way. Utterly charming without a trace of syrupy sweetness. Highly recommended.
The Tumbling Turner Sisters by Juliette Fay has been out since 2016 but for some reason was only recently put on my radar. I haven’t read a single historical fiction novel having to do with American Vaudeville and I found this completely fascinating. 1919 in New York is a rough time, especially for the Turner family, and it was interesting to see how they ended up getting their start on the Vaudeville scene. I loved getting to know the characters, and even though the story is told only from Gert and Winnie’s perspectives, I felt like I got to know all of the sisters fairly well. I loved getting emersed in the family’s story, and I enjoyed the glimpse I got of what Vaudeville (and New York) were like in that time period. Fay doesn’t shy away from tough subjects either, and there were parts of this book that broke my heart.
I found the audiobook on Libby through one of my library systems, so I gave that a try while I followed along in my eBook and I am so glad I did! There is a different narrator for both Gert and Winnie and they both did such a fantastic job voicing this. I haven’t listened to Katie Schorr or Eileen Stevens before, and I could completely picture their voices as our 2 lead characters. Each chapter started with a quote from a real figure in history (appropriate to the story) and I was a huge fan of this as well as the alternating viewpoints. I even started crying towards the end, so it is good to have some tissues handy! I was such a fan of Fay’s writing style and I am so glad I know about her now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Vaudeville–a world I knew almost nothing about and found fascinating. The sisters in the story are different, bound with love and blood and yet also in battle at times. Like sisters now, then, and always. A wonderful book in which you can get lost.
Interesting views of a family making its way through Vaudeville. Two very different sisters liking what they are doing but going in different directions.
This book was such a fascinating read! Set during the time of two of my obsessions–the Spanish Flu pandemic and the Great Molasses Flood of Boston, The Tumbling Turner Sisters is the story of five sisters who develop an act for Vaudeville to keep their family afloat. Fay does a marvelous job weaving together history and culture with story. But it is the sisters, how they develop and grow as individuals and within their relationships to each other, that will stay with me for a long time.
I loved learning about the time of vaudeville and the lives that were lived. I found this to be a great read, and not at all as violent as “Water for Elephants,” with which it has been compared.
Enjoyed reading the trials and tribulations of this wonderful family in the world of vaudeville.
REading this for our Book Club. Light and fun, another time -another place.
4 young sisters in the 1920’s – their Dad has been laid off because of injured hand.
So to keep the house and feed them, their mother decided they would become
A vaudeville act – She always had a desire for The Boards for herself. She made
Their costumes, became their manager, and they were able to keep the family
Home, and take care of their Dad. They travelled the circuit in Upstae New York.
Many characters became their friends, and they learned so much for each,
Taking sight gags, jokes, looks etc – from the other acts. They grew and matured,
And gained much insight into life and living – and eventually take their own
Roads to happiness. I admired their resourcefulness, especially the mother, and
Their tight bond, and devotion to family. Very refreshing.
Interesting and entertaining.
This is a story about four sisters who train from novice to skilled tumblers in the vaudeville era. It is a story about tenacity and family dedication in an era of the Great Depression. They had to find a way for their family to survive because their father couldn’t sustain an income to support them. Despite the sisters differences they worked together to overcome many obstacles.
Fun read about life on the road with a family of women.
Very good, not great.
I enjoyed this very much. A great look into the world of vaudeville.
This is a fascinating tale of vaudeville. A family down on it’s luck puts together a vaudeville act and hits the road with a troupe. We get to see them rise in the ranks and the price they pay for that change in circumstance. This is a very enjoyable read.
Great book about performing circus type sisters.
Everyone needs to read this book
A very cute book. Very entertaining
I enjoyed the backstage look at vaudeville,
Great period piece!