The CIRCUS TRAIN
By Amita Parikh
Synopsis
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 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 II 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.
Nadia says
I was reluctant to read a book about, what I thought, was life in a circus. However, within the first few pages, my curiosity was drawn into the plot. I soon felt transported, as a passenger on the train, traveling through the major European cities, traversing a period that encompassed World War II.
As a reader, I was drawn in as an observer of historic events that were brought to life by the vivid verbal descriptions. One could “see” prisoners in a concentration camp, feel the life of the handicapped, and discuss the educational expectations for young girls.
The novel is a very well-researched book with historical facts. The stories are successfully joined together with intertwining themes, and they interconnect… just like the wagons on the train. THE CIRCUS TRAIN is an engaging page-turner.
That’s what I think…
Nadia
