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The Circus Train

A Novel

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The Circus Train

Written by: Amita Parikh
Narrated by: Silvana Kane
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A NATIONAL BESTSELLER

At the World of Wonders, Europe’s most magnificent travelling circus, every moment is full of magic, and nothing is as it seems—especially for the people who put on the show

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 overprotectiveness and the limitations of her wheelchair.

Lena’s 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, she must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible—herself.

A must-read for fans of The Night Circus and Water for Elephants, The Circus Train will take readers on a heart-rending and spectacular two-decade journey across Europe. When all is lost, how do you find the courage to keep moving forward?

 20th Century Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Romance

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Narrator reads super slow so I sped speed to 1.35 and it was perfect. Lovely story and very enjoyable

Great story

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A very interesting story about the lives of a few people before and after WWII. Lots of twists and turns right up to the very end.

It’s a very different take on the steps up to WWII

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I listened to this book over the period of a couple of weeks during my commute. Not many authors pick the topics of polio or the circus theme, and having had an aunt who lost a leg & spent time in an iron lung due to polio during the same time frame, found the story line very interesting. I found the narration quite dry and almost gave up a couple of times, but the story compelled me to finish.

Interesting Topics Covered

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I heard Amita’s interview on Shit No One Tells You About Writing and knew I needed to read it! I decided to get it on audible to relax after a daunting NF book and it was so worth it. Great writing, great performance by Silvia. 10/10 recommend.

Loved it!

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I struggled to finish the book. at one point there's a bit of magic? then nothing for the whole book. Plot was okay.

okay book.

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