I absolutely loved this beautifully written historical fiction that I could not put down. This book follows Lena a young girl who suffered a disease as an infant that left her in a wheelchair. Her father who is an illusionist in the circus try’s to take care of Lena the best he can but with world war on the horizon and dismissal of women and people with disabilities doesn’t make it easy. Throughout the multi year journey we see Lena grow up and try to survive the best she can.

I loved this book the writing was so descriptive and beautiful I felt like I was there. I also really enjoyed the characters and was really invested in the romance in this story. I thought this was a different perspective as well from most historical fiction and really enjoyed the circus perspective. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early! I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very well done, and the story kept me interested. I believe my students/patrons would also love this book and will be acquiring it for the library!

Book Review: The Circus Train

In "The Circus Train," a poignant and evocative tale set against the backdrop of a turbulent 1938, readers are taken on a mesmerizing journey through a world of magic, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Lena Papadopoulos, the daughter of the circus's extraordinary illusionist, Theo, grapples with her place in a society that underestimates her due to her wheelchair, a result of a childhood battle with polio. Yearning for the magic of science and medicine, Lena's brilliant mind seeks to transcend societal limitations.

The narrative takes a captivating turn when Lena rescues Alexandre, an enigmatic orphan with a mysterious past, sparking a friendship that blossoms into something deeper amidst the escalating chaos of World War II. As they navigate the challenges of life under the shadow of war, Alexandre trains as Theo's apprentice, and their bond deepens. However, fate takes a cruel turn when Theo and Alexandre are imprisoned by the Nazis, compelling Lena to carve her own path in a world unraveling at the seams.

Marie Harte intricately weaves historical elements with heart-wrenching emotions, painting a vivid picture of the harrowing era and the resilience of the human spirit. Lena's journey of self-discovery is both powerful and inspiring, urging readers to confront their doubts and embrace the belief in the extraordinary. The author masterfully captures the complexities of human relationships and the enduring strength of love, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The characters are beautifully crafted, each possessing depth and nuance that makes them relatable and endearing. Lena, with her determination and unwavering spirit, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Alexandre's mysterious past and unwavering loyalty to Lena tug at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impression.

"The Circus Train" is a testament to the human capacity for love, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Marie Harte's writing is both tender and evocative, transporting readers to a time of uncertainty, love, and the enduring magic of the human soul. This compelling tale is a must-read for those seeking a story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

The Circus Train is the debut novel by Amita Parkikh. Beautifully written, likeable characters. The main protagonist, Lena Papadopolous, spends her childhood traveling through Europe with The World of Wonders Circus with her father, Theo, who is the illusionist with the troupe. Lena is confined to a wheelchair due to polio, loves science and medicine. A orphaned boy, Alexandre, is her only friend and they grow together through the years. WWII is going on and affects the performers as they travel through Europe. This has all the feels of war, love, and perserverence. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4 Stars

This was a beautifully written story with great character development. In a market saturated with World War II fiction, this one stands out as something unique. The cover artwork is gorgeous. And I saw an alternative cover that was somehow even better!

I really enjoyed this book I'm not sure how I forgot to review it. I love historical fiction especially stories about children and this book made me feel like a time traveler

What a beautifully written novel. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. It held my attention the entire time. I really enjoyed the circus aspect of this book. It added a different spin to the historical fiction genre that I have not read before. I would recommend this book to others.

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.