The Circus Train by Amita Parikh
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Web ID: 17674610Masterful Historical Fiction
The Circus Train is a masterful example of historical fiction. The writing has an old quality that fits the timeframe covered perfectly. It’s written in a way that you feel the characters’ emotions. It’s a pretty long book and I only wished it was even longer. It’s so good and well written that it’s hard to believe it is the author’s first book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Inspirational
“Try or don’t try. The time will pass anyway.” -The Circus Train "The Circus Train" by Amita Parikh is a captivating coming-of-age novel set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II. The narrative skillfully unfolds Lena's journey, a brilliant young woman in the circus world facing societal limitations due to her wheelchair. The introduction of Alexandre, an orphan with secrets, adds a layer of complexity. As war escalates, their friendship transforms, weaving a tale of resilience and unexpected bonds. Lena's character is crafted with depth and authenticity, making it impossible not to love her and find her truly inspiring. The novel, marked by emotional nuances, delves into themes of courage and self-belief, creating a compelling and heartfelt read, with a little twist at the end, earning it 3 stars.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Boring, read like a YA novel
Synopsis: Lena, the daughter of the most sought after illusionist in all of Europe, contracts polio as a baby, bounding her to a wheelchair. When they join the traveling circus, Lena feels like an outcast in a sea of acrobats and dancers, but when she stumbles upon an orphan boy, Theo, she finally has a friend and then eventually, someone to love. World War II is ramping up though and Theo is hiding a big secret. When the Nazi’s decide to raid the circus and kidnap the two people that mean the most to Lena, she has to figure out how to survive in the world on her own. Review: I had big hopes for this one…historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I haven’t read one in awhile. Unfortunately it read like a YA novel (maybe it is, I couldn’t figure it out) which left it feeling inauthentic to me, and a little boring. I need a do-over…everyone send me your favorite historical fiction novels!
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fantastic read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an ARC edition of this book for an honest review. Lena's mother passed away with Typhoid when she was born and Lena also caught polio so she wasn't able to walk at a young age. Her father joined a traveling circus as an illusionist and she came along with them, and kept up with her studies but couldn't help with the circus because of her disability. She felt like she didn't fit in anywhere or have any friends until she finds a stowaway boy Alexandre, who was a Jew, in one of the carriages. They became fast friends but WWII has broken out and it becomes very dangerous to hide her new friend. Her father, unbeknownst to her, makes secret plans to have them escape to America but before they could do so, tragedy strikes and Lena is set on a path by herself. I devoured this book. It was a different take on a WWII book. To me it was similar to the Night Circus but set in WWII era. The characters were all very believable and it all felt very magical. The relationship growth between Lena and her friend Alexandre over time was my favorite part. I also enjoyed that there was an author's note at the end where the author explained what was real and what the author took creative liberties on. I highly recommend this book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Wonderful story!
This story had me from the prologue. So much sadness and heartbreak in those first few pages. But then the reader also finds out that there are some secrets that are not revealed as well. So intriguing. And then the reader gets to become a part of the exciting world of the circus. But to the people who work in the circus, that is their normal, everyday life, with joy and plenty of struggles. The life of Lena is a hard one but she is a survivor and becomes close friends with a young boy who truly believes in her. This is a wonderful historical fiction story that gives the reader a different look at life during World War II and the control that the Nazis had over so many people. It's a story of the struggles and strength of a group of people who had to do whatever they needed to do to survive. There are plenty of surprises along the way that made their story that much more interesting. This book is touted as must-read for fans of The Night Circus and Water for Elephants. I loved both of those stories and I feel like The Circus Train one is right up there with those two books. Check it out!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Beautiful, inspiring story!
4.5 stars! I loved reading this book! It was such a unique story about a European traveling circus in the midst of WWII, and how these characters persevered through their personal struggles. Lena Papadopoulos was a wonderful heroine, and despite her limitations, her disability didn’t stop her from wanting to achieve more. With a love for science and medicine, she always had her nose stuck in a book or spent time learning what she could from the circus doctor. Her overprotective father, Theo, a headlining illusionist, was determined to protect her from the outside world — and the truth about her past. But when a young orphan named Alexandre showed up and joined the circus, he added some light to Lena’s life and encouraged her to continue pursuing her dreams. While Alexandre was training as an illusionist’s apprentice, he and Theo were contracted to work and perform for the Nazis for at least a year. During this time, Lena was separated from them and for the first time in her life she had to make decisions for herself and find a way to make it on her own. This is when we truly see the strength and determination that made Lena such an inspiring character. It’s one thing to lose the one’s you love, but to continue and thrive despite everything life has thrown at you, is a true testament to a person’s inner strength. Highly recommend this book! *Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing a copy of this book to review.*
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Not well written
Note: unlike many other reviewers of this book, I actually paid for this book myself. Poorly written book about uninspiring characters. The story isn’t transfixing enough to overcome the childish writing. I made it 110 pages in before giving up. I like to finish my books, but this one didn’t show any signs of improvement.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
disappointed
The setting : A European travelling circus. A strong, young woman, Lena Papadopoulos who has physical limitations due to childhood polio. Theo, an illusionist and Lena's father. Alexandre, an orphan "...with his own secrets and a mysterious past." Add in World War II. Nazis/Theresienstadt. Other characters--Clara--Lena's governess/teacher and friend. Horace, owner of the circus--and more. As billed: "A must-read for fans of The Night Circus and Water for Elephants, The Circus Train will take readers on a heart-wrenching and spectacular two-decade journey across Europe. When all is lost, how do you find the courage to keep moving forward?' Sign me up. In a word: DISAPPOINTED [and in the distinct minority]. It had so much promise! A plus: Lena's character. Minuses--flat, predictable, and pedestrian and the "mush" derailed it for me. I saw another review said: Too much and not enough"--agreed! About half-way through I kept hoping, but it did not change/deliver. I just did not care enough. The writing--ok--nothing more/nothing less. Surprises? Twists? Secrets? Many--but I no longer cared. I persevered but just plodded along to see what would transpire. Fast forward nearly 3/4 in, but the plot advances seemed almost meaningless and even out of place. So sorry. Do read the Author's note. 2.5 but rounding up --not sure why.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com