Any kind of book that is centered around a Circus is my cup of tea. I also enjoy WW2 novels, so this was the perfect combination for me! The Circus bits added a little bit of "magic" to the story and I loved it. I am so glad I read this book and would recommend it!

I absolutely love books set in and around the circus, amusement parks, and fairs! I also really enjoy historical fiction so I was so excited to read this one!!
Set in 1938, this story spans 20 years. It follows Lena, a young girl who is the daughter of the extraordinary headlining illusionist, Theo Papadopoulos. Brilliant and curious, Lena yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, despite her father's overprotection and the limits her world places on her because she is disabled.
Her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and a mysterious past. Over several years, as their friendship flourishes and Alexandre trains as the illusionist's apprentice, World War Il escalates around them.
When Theo and Alexandre are contracted to work and perform in a model town for Jews set up by the Nazis, Lena becomes separated from everything she knows.
Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible--herself."
I really enjoyed this novel!! The characters were well developed and the story flowed easily and was captivating!! @amita_parikh's writing is absolutely beautiful!
I do wish there was more about the actual circus but overall it is a heartwarming and fantastic book!!
Thank you so much to @netgalley for this ARC!!

4.5 stars; I was hesitant to jump back into another WW2 historical fiction novel but this ended up being a story I’m glad I read.

The circus element gave the tale just the hint of magic it needed.

Fraught with real life danger of Nazi occupied Europe, this book ended up inspiring hope, strength & courage, and unending determination.

4.5 Stars Rounded Up

I received an advanced copy of The Circus Train by Amita Parikh from the publisher Penguin Putnam via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What It’s About: Lena Papadopoulos has lived her whole life within the circus as the daughter of the headlining illusionist, Theo, but she has never quite fit in due to being constrained to a wheelchair due to a childhood bout with polio. Brilliant and curious, Lena is eager to learn and educate herself and ultimately pursue medicine, but her father is overprotective of her. When she rescues a boy, Alexandre, her life is forever changed. But as World War II ramps up, the circus traveling through Europe becomes more and more dangerous.

What I Loved: This book is unlike others I have read. These characters touched me. This story has two parts, Lena learning to accept herself and reach her goals, and seeing how the characters surrounding her support her and show her love and respect was just really lovely. Lena and Theo will forever stay in my heart. A father and daughter that are so deeply connected. Lena’s journey to achieve her dreams of being a doctor. The other aspect of this book being set in World War II and I will say this aspect of the book is more unique and I learned something that I never knew. This book has exceptional character development that makes this book compulsively readable.

What I Didn’t Like: The romance in this book is not my favorite, but that’s okay. I also felt that this book wasn’t necessarily deeply set at the circus, when our characters were on the circus train, it felt like we could be anywhere.

Who Should Read It: People who love historical fiction. People who love strong female characters.

Summary: A story of a young woman growing up on a Circus Train in the midst of WW2.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, I’m not always into historical but this one pulled me right in. I loved Lena and her story of growth and overcoming her personal and medical traumas.

The Circus train focuses on the lives of circus performers who traveled across Europe to perform their act. Lena Papadopoulos, a wheelchair bound girl due to polio, is the child of a great illusionist, Theo. Theo tries to protect Lena from all that may befall her in the outside world, keeping her from learning about science and medicine, and a potential cure for her illness. On a quest to leave her confining life, Lena’s tutor is teaching what she needs to go to boarding school. However, the girl’s plans are put on hold when a Jewish castaway named Alexandre joins the circus. Throughout the train’s journey through Europe and the war Alexandre and Lena develop a friendship and a level of trust between them that is tested when the Nazis intervene. A thoroughly researched book, The Circus train focuses not on the differences between people, but the similarities- kindness, respect, and the quest to overcome challenges that ultimately make us human. The Circus train, by Amita Parikh, now available from Putnum Books, is a different take on the traditional World War II narrative.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A rich story about the history of a fictional traveling circus and the lives the performers live. This book takes place during World War 2 and deals with issues such as polio, fall out from War and family secrets.
This was a well written story about survival and success.
Recommended for fans of Historical fiction and those who like to route for the underdog.

My feelings about this book are a little all over the place, kind of like the story itself. The Circus Train by Amita Parikh deals with many topics: circus life, disability, WWII, wealth and extravagance, family drama and dynamics, survival, romance, mystery. It was just a lot to try to pack into one book touted as historical fiction, without really delving deeply into the historical components. I loved the initial premise of the book, and I was captivated by the history of the circus train and the introduction to the characters. It felt like it was going to be a pretty magical book and I was pulled right in. I was very interested in Lena and her struggles and the way she navigated life. I loved the friendship between Lena and Alexandre, but once the romance angle was introduced I struggled a bit. They were so young that the romance just felt unrealistic and I couldn't buy into it. Then there were twists and turns and shifts in setting and circumstances that all felt a bit too contrived for Theo and Alexandre and way too easy for Lena. Once the story shifted away from the circus I found myself less interested, but continued reading. When the timeline jumped, I wanted to know more about what had transpired during the fast-forwarded years, particularly in Lena's life, but never really got any details. Then everything accelerated and wrapped up fairly quickly and neatly, with just a few more lackluster surprises thrown in for good measure. Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable read without a big wow factor, and the historical aspect fell flat for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I liked following the story of Lena and her journey through childhood into adulthood. She struggles through some hard times and finds her own inner strength.

The difference in the characters from the beginning of the book to the end was amazing. Life on the circus train was practically its own character. While Lena and Alexandre enter the story as children, their story lines also left them exceptionally vulnerable. Lena barely escaped with her life from Polio as a baby. She spent her childhood on the circus train in a wheelchair and being coddled by Theo, her tutor, and the train's doctor. Alexandre was found as a stowaway on the circus train with just his Jewish passport to identify him. Their relationship truly evolved to save and bring out the best in them both.

Theo was a talented performer, but his true motivation was protecting Lena and presenting the best life possible for her. His plan for this included Lena nearly always being under his direct supervision, so he could limit any risks to her health and safety.

Theo's dedication to protecting Lena and Alexandre is what causes them to be torn apart. Their lives end up on a vastly different path than any of them initially imagined, and the changes are scary and difficult for all of them. In part, it is again their lasting love and loyalty to each other that lends them the courage to continue through horrifying circumstances and strive to reunite.

Since finishing this book and thinking a little more about it, my rating increased a bit. There's an amazing plot twist presented at the end, and it has me re-thinking a lot of earlier pivotal points in the story. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, circus stories, and WWII time stories that don't focus exclusively on the war.

The Circus Train is billed as Water for Elephants meets Night Circus WWII novel. I really liked
Water for Elephants, but couldn't get into Night Circle (the magical realism wasn't working for me). So I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel.

First, I'm not sure I would consider this a WWII novel. The book spans quite a bit of history starting with the 1929 Stock Market crash and ends in the 1950s with some commentary on Indian independence. It does go through WWII but largely the circus is on the outskirts of the conflict.

I didn't realize that the novel was young adult. It contained the YA tropes that I've outgrown, but I think actual young adults will enjoy the novel which is focused on Lena Papadopoulos a young girl whose father is a master illusionist. She had polio as a one year old and didn't learn to walk. Confined to a wheelchair is never easy, but when you are among acrobats and contornists you are constantly reminded fo what you can't do. Though her father tries to give her the world, what she wants most are friends. When she meets the young waif Alexandre her life is forever changed.

At times, I found my attention wandering and by the end I just wanted the story to be cover. I would have liked it to have been a little more concise. I also had trouble connecting with the characters. But I think all of this is because it was more young adult than I was expecting. It is a great coming-of-age story about a young women who overcame great challenges during a very tumult time period.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/05/3-historical-fiction-stories-you-may.html

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Growing up in the circus, one would think would be a wonderous thing to do. However, for Lena Papadopoulos it is not. Born premature and contracted polio at a young age, she is not enjoying her childhood in this environment. Her farther, Theo, is an illusionist that cannot be rivaled. They are part of the traveling circus "World of Wonders" that was put together by a visionary man from people from around the world that are left behind.

One night, Lena comes across a young man lying on the floor of one of the carriages, he is still alive, but just barely. He harbors a secret that would get him into trouble if it got out. The director of the circus agrees to keep him on for one year - if he can pull his weight, then he can stay permanently. If not, he is out. This young orphan befriends Lena and the two of them become inseparable.

The story ebbs and weaves from the late 1920's through the 1950's with an epic story of love, betrayal, secrets, and more.

I loved this book. As a debut novel - I am eagerly looking forward to what comes next.

I received an advance copy of The Circus Train by Amita Parikh from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. This was an absolutely incredible and heart- warming story. This was the first book I've read by this author and I loved their writing style. I will absolutely add them to my list of must reads! I highly recommend.

This is a new author for me which I enjoyed reading and look forward to see what is next for this author. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story where the characters bring inspiration, courage and a determination like no other. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story come to life on each page. They pull you into the story from the first word. They are connectable and took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. There is great growth throughout the story which made the story easy to read. This is a story where the characters keep the story engaging and had me coming back for more. I highly recommend this book.

This book has been hailed as a cross between The Night Circus and Water for Elephants, but I have to say, aside from all being about circuses, they don't have that much in common. The Circus Train has much to offer, but I can't say it's in the same league as either of the two books to which it is compared.

Considering this book on its own merits, though, is much more flattering. Beginning before WWII, Parikh weaves a story of a circus that might or might include actual magic, and the illusionist (Theo) and his daughter (Lena), who had polio as a baby and now uses a wheelchair. There's a lot of build-up and character establishing, but tensions build as WWII heats up, and the story really gets going when things explode between Theo and the circus owner. Theo and his protégé (Alexandre) are sent to Theresienstadt and forced to perform for the Nazi guards in their guests. Meanwhile, Lena, believing both to be dead, makes her way to England in the hopes of finding her former governess, at which point the real question becomes, will Lena and her father and Alexandre ever be reunited?

Parikh draws her characters well, and her protagonists will all be found sympathetic and writing brings the setting vividly to life. And yet, I still felt let-down by the marketing hype.

Plot:
* A magnificent traveling circus
* A star-crossed romance
* A coming-of-age story surrounding Lena, the daughter of a headlining illusionist in the circus
* WWII historical fiction


My Thoughts:

This was such a well-written and compelling historical fiction read. I absolutely fell in love with the characters here and coming alongside them in their struggles and strengths. It came to feel as if I knew them in real life by the end and I was sad to part with them after reading the last page. The setting truly came to life here on the pages as well and made for an atmospheric read that painted vivid images in my mind. The story itself was paced beautifully with the perfect amount of backstory mixed in to the current timeline. I always felt grounded to the plot. There was a lot I walked away with, which to me is always the mark of an excellent read. With elements of whimsy, romance, this powerful coming-of-age story really had it all. This is one of those books that sticks with you long after finishing it. It’s surely one I won’t forget my time with anytime soon.

Many thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

I had a really good feeling about this book when I requested it. I never read too much of a synopsis because I want a good part of it to feel like a surprise. Little did I know that this would become hands down one of my new favorites and quite possibly will end up being my favorite of 2023!

Where to even start...

The characters in this book are so realistic and relatable. Their flaws, strengths, ups and downs and their growth make you feel like you know them. The journey of watching Lena and Alexandre grow up through WWII was so emotional. I felt joy, sorrow and so much anticipation at what would happen to them and what choices they would make. Every character was so fleshed out and added something to the story.

The locations in the story were vivid, so this was a totally immersive experience.

I cannot say enough good things about the writing and this story. It was perfection. I love this book! So, stop reading my review and go out and get a copy!

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The comparisons made of this novel to The Night Circus and Water for Elephants are a bit overzealous. There is a circus involved, but curiously, I am left with very little sense of what that circus actually looked and felt like - for the most part, the circus became simply a conceit, a means to move the plot forward, rather than the immersive, imaginative circuses of the aforementioned comparisons. This is a circus that IS a train, and there needed to be a bit more detail, description, explanation, a way for me to believe that what was so inexpertly described could actually happen. There are a number of themes the author attempts to conquer in this story, important themes, which all eventually take a back seat to the love story and the “twist” in the plot - the life of a child with polio, gender discrimination, the education of women, religious persecution, the brutality of the Nazi regime, the horrors of war - pretty much all of it glossed over and sanitized. There simply wasn’t much meat to this book, and the writing was adequate, but lackluster.

This was my December @bookofthemonth pick, and I let it sit on my shelf for a month before picking it up (I have to be in the mood for historical fiction, especially when it involves heavy topics like WWII & work camps etc.).

The mood finally struck, and WOW 💥🤯

I’m shocked this is Parikh’s first novel. It is gorgeous and sweeping, covering decades of time from the 1930s to the 1950s. We follow Lena, a young girl born with polio whose father works for a traveling circus, visiting towns across Europe. Lena soon meets Alexandre, a Jewish boy who joins the circus as an apprentice under Theo, Lena’s father. Decades of love, loss, friendship, and adventure soon unfold.

This novel covers so many aspects of life - struggling with a disability, women in education in the 1940s and 50s, love and romance, growing up, and the time Theo and Alexandre spend in a work camp was devastating but so important to learn about. This novel balances the wonderful parts of life with the worst parts of life - and the reality of living through war - perfectly.

The characters, the fanciful, whimsical circus atmosphere, and the growth and relationships that evolve over time were beautiful and perfectly executed. A gorgeous novel that I highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

4 Stars!

This book is a great read. It's beautifully written and is an amazing story. I loved Lena and Theo and Alexandre. The historical aspect was intriguing. Living in a circus, traveling Europe during WWII was wild.

I feel that the pacing of the story is a bit off. There was too much back story and I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and it left me wanting more.

A special thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Amita Parikh for providing me with an ARC.