The Circus Train

Description

International Bestseller

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 yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, despite the limitations of her wheelchair. 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 over the years, their friendship blossoms into something deeper while Alexandre trains as the illusionist’s apprentice. But when Theo and Alexandre are arrested and contracted to perform in a model 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.One of BookRiot’s 8 New Historical Fiction Reads Set During and After WWII
One of Library Journal’s Top 20 Fall Debut Novels

“Set against the vivid and original backdrop of a traveling circus in World War II Europe, The Circus Train is the moving story of Lena, a young woman struggling to overcome her physical limitations and find her place in the world. Her life is irreversibly changed by the arrival of Alexandre, the illusionist’s apprentice with secrets of his own. Amita Parikh has written a passionate and gripping tale of unlikely alliances and hidden strengths, and a powerful reminder that to live is not just to survive, but to be seen and known for ourselves.” —Pam Jenoff, author of The Woman With the Blue Star

“Magic, love, destiny, and illusion combine with the glitter of 20th century circus life and the heartbreak of war in The Circus Train, Amita Parikh’s masterful first novel. The story centers around Lena, the extraordinary daughter of a world-renowned illusionist, whose world at first remains small, despite the fact that she lives about a glamorous circus train that crisscrosses Europe. But when a young Jewish refugee with a talent for magic finds his way aboard in the early years of World War II, Lena’s life changes forever as he shows her that she alone holds the key to building a better existence for herself. A powerful tale of hope in the face of tragedy and great love in the face of staggering loss, The Circus Train is an extraordinary debut.” —Kristin Harmel, author of The Book of Lost Names and The Forest of Vanishing Stars

“[A] luminous narrative.” —Library Journal

“The Circus Train is a dazzling and delightful debut. Amita Parikh plunges us into a mesmerizing tale of colorful acts and characters, who must elicit truth from illusion as they face dark forces and seek out their places in a changing world. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.” —Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife

“This is a poignant story of a young woman’s strive for independence, the atrocities of WWII, and betrayal. Heartbreak, romance and love filter throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending offering hope.” —Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan

“Sit back and enjoy as this magical story transports you through war-torn Europe, demonstrating how family can be found in the most unconventional ways.” —Shilpi Somaya Gowda, author of The Secret Daughter

“In this deeply entertaining and enchanting debut novel, Amita Parikh weaves a magical tale of a young girl trying to find her place in the world. Lena Papadopolous, the daughter of a famous circus illusionist, is also confined to a wheelchair from childhood polio.  Longing for friendship and acceptance, Lena rescues a boy who is running from the Gestapo and begins a lifelong friendship. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book is a page-turner that holds onto its secrets until its satisfying conclusion.  This richly drawn and captivating novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.”—Constance Sayers, author of The Ladies of the Secret Circus

“A spellbinding tale of illusions, family secrets, courage, and devotion, as a circus train tours European cities under threat of war and persecution. Amita Parikh’s skills as a storyteller will enthrall the reader. In Lena Papadopoulos she has created an irresistible and memorable young heroine.” —Carol Windley, author of Midnight Train to Prague    

“I fell head and heart into the pages of The Circus Train. The triumphant spirit of the characters shines brightly as they navigate the extravagance of the World of Wonders circus and a challenging historical landscape. This is a book readers will carry with them, in the best of ways, for a long time to come.” —Lorelei Savaryn, author of The Circus of Stolen Dreams and The Edge of In BetweenAmita Parikh was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and received an Honours BSc from the University of Toronto. When she’s not writing, she works in the tech industry. The Circus Train is her first novel.US