The Circus Train

By Amita Parikh

Book Overview

International Bestseller and #1 LibraryReads Pick

Water for Elephants meets The Night Circus in this World War II debut about a magnificent travelling circus, a star-crossed romance, and one girl's coming-of-age during the darkest of times.

"A powerful reminder that to live is not just to survive, but to be seen and known for ourselves." --Pam Jenoff, author of The Orphan's Tale

When all is lost, how do you find the courage to keep moving forward?

1938. Lena Papadopoulos has never quite found her place within the circus, even as the daughter of the extraordinary headlining illusionist, Theo. Brilliant and curious, Lena--who uses a wheelchair after a childhood bout with polio--yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, her mind stronger than the limitations placed on her by society. Then her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and a mysterious past.

As World War II escalates around them, their friendship blossoms into something deeper while Alexandre trains as the illusionist's apprentice. But when Theo and Alexandre are arrested and made to perform in a town for Jews set up by the Nazis, Lena is separated from everything she knows. Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible--herself.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593539982
• ISBN13: 9780593539989
• Release Date: December 2022
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

The Circus Train

This story is rich in history about an uplifting, magical Circus that travels to World War II countries bringing special times and memories. Performers have their own stories and lives to live in a coming of age love between a young polio survivor and her Jewish friend. A heart warming story which will stay with you as the reader.