Never Trust a Tiger
Book by
Char Valdez
This is a fictionalized story about a circus and my great-aunt Marie, who was a lion tamer during the eighteenth century and early nineteenth century. She worked for the Al G. Barnes Circus and, later, Barnum and Bailey. She traveled across the United States and Europe, performing with the big cats, as well as with dancing bears, giant dogs, and other animals. She was known as the best-dressed woman in the circus and was often billed as Princess Florines. She was injured countless times but returned to the work she loved with animals despite her injuries. She was in many creative acts, and in most she played a little girl. Being of small stature and very beautiful, she played fairy-tale characters in many of her acts.
“A transcendent debut. Char Valdez’s lyrical writing and world-building are unmatched.”
“Riveting. This book was impossible to put down, and impossible to forget.”
About Char
Char Valdez is a writer and performer whose passion for storytelling is rooted in personal history, eccentric family lore, and a deep curiosity for forgotten women’s narratives. Born in Fresno, California, Char’s creative journey began after meeting her great-aunt Marie—a former circus big cat trainer—whose mysterious past inspired what would become Char’s most personal work. Blending historical research with family anecdotes, Char authored Never Trust a Tiger, a fictionalized novel based on real people, places, and events. The book vividly reimagines Marie’s life in the traveling circus world between 1890 and 1918, layered with themes of dreams, danger, and female resilience. In 2019, Char adapted the novel into a feature-length screenplay that further develops the mythic yet grounded story of her great-aunt’s life. Char’s professional background is as colorful as her prose—having worked as both a hairdresser and belly dancer in Carmel, California, while writing her first draft. Her creative voice combines wit, heart, and a sense of mysticism that has captivated readers and audiences alike. Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Char continues to write and develop original stories with her husband Sonny and their dog Jake by her side. She brings a unique and evocative perspective to every project she touches.
Contact us
Char Valdez (505) 699 6712 spiritmassage@yahoo.com
Lucas CorVatta (323) 592 9355 lucascorvatta@gmail.com
Jeff Gonzales (505) 506 1274 jgonzales7@me.com
JD Marmion (505) 660 5830 dragondoglt@yahoo.com