A poor traveling circus performer trains his prized pig to mimic the Kaiser - in order to save the circus and marry his love. But will they - man, woman and pig - survive the Kaiser's wrath?The Circus Pig and the Kaiser is a rollicking historical satire that deals with freedom of expression under an authoritarian regime, a subject much talked about today! The novel takes place in 1907 and is based on a true incident. Vladimir Durov, a poor Russian traveling circus performer, has a prized pig he has trained. This gentle but rough-hewn man loves to make people laugh at his pig's crazy antics. Desperate to capture the heart of Natasha, the widowed circus owner, he comes up with a dangerous scheme. As the circus travels to Germany in pursuit of more paying customers, Durov decides to dress his prized pig as the war-mongering Kaiser himself. The Kaiser's faithful dragoon is not amused. He warns Durov that if he goes ahead with his outlandish satirical taunt, prison will be the result.The dilemma that confronts Durov is whether his, yes, pig-headed and hilarious spectacle could backfire or, on the other hand, bring him fame, fortune... and a woman's heart. It's a big decision facing man and pig!The novel received rave reviews as and " a fast-paced drama of wit and humor amid politically charged circumstances and " and "a wonderfully entertaining, but seriously messaged historical fiction about a band of circus characters defending the ideals of freedom of expression. and "More about the plot from a and "Durov is a trainer of clever miniature pigs and he has a propensity for rousing the ire and unwelcome brutal retaliations of government authorities because of his deep belief in the freedom of expression in all forms, especially in the arts, and particularly in his parodying circus act, which makes scandalous fun of the powers that be. Durov has perfected a clever act with his dear Sasha, the star of the piglets, who, while wearing a uniform resembling that of the Kaiser, can flip a helmet upon her little head, characterizing to a tee the Kaiser himself. The local government loyal to the Kaiser in all matters is not pleased... and "The author was inspired by Russian emigre to the United States and Nobel laureate Wassily Wassilyevich Leontief, a heroic and "campaigner for academic autonomy and freedom of speech, and " who had to flee Russia because of his stance against the authoritarian regime . He personally gave Brancato the idea for the novel, which has been called and " an authentic, charming and heart-felt portrayal of a band of circus performers who are more like family with all a family's problems, passions, joys and of course love, which is also portrayed in all its complexities. and "Take a step back from the cares of the day to enjoy this charming novel with all its crazy circus characters!