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annamay1021's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Antisemitism, Genocide, Ableism, and War
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
bibliomania_express's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: War, Violence, Abandonment, Sexism, Police brutality, Medical content, Hate crime, Genocide, Grief, Death, Confinement, Classism, Body shaming, Antisemitism, and Ableism
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
oceanwriter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
All Lena has ever known is the traveling circus where her father Theo performs as an illusionist. Lena was left unable to walk by a contracted bought of Polio as an infant. Her spirit and desire to live a better-abled life are strong. Eventually, she attempts a new form of treatment to try and recover the use of her legs.
Meanwhile, it's the early days of World War II. Theo and Lena take in a Jewish boy Alexandre. He's Lena's first friend and companion her age. As the war carries on, she ends up separated from them. Though she always wished for the freedom to do what she wishes without her father's constant fretting and concern for her wellbeing, she never would have wished for him to be taken away.
As much as I loved the writing and a great deal of the story, I also felt like some parts were unrealistic. There was also a love of distinct plotlines going on throughout the book. For me, the polio plot was strong enough to stand alone without the addition of the war. It shifted the focus too much late in the book and it felt like a completely different story than the one I started.
My quips aside, I cannot compliment the beautiful writing enough. The opening pages took me in immediately. I'm insanely impressed given The Circus Train is the author's debut novel.
Graphic: War, Ableism, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Violence, Medical content, and Genocide
66brookeb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I went into this book not really expecting much, but there were three twists in the plot near the end that really got me; I had not expected them in the least.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, even if you aren’t interested in this genre. I still believed it is worth the read.
Graphic: Hate crime, Antisemitism, Forced institutionalization, and Genocide
maregred's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: War, Violence, and Genocide
Moderate: Medical content, Death, and Child death
Minor: Grief and Deportation
booksemmahasread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Antisemitism, War, Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Ableism
Moderate: Medical content, Alcohol, Classism, Violence, and Genocide
ibjilln's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Medical content, Ableism, Grief, Death of parent, Dysphoria, War, Antisemitism, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol, Body shaming, Classism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Infidelity, Violence, and Gun violence
Minor: Abandonment and Pregnancy
whatsamberreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Genocide, Xenophobia, and War
shannasbooksnhooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book immediately climbed up to my favorites list (both for 2023 and in general). I was immersed in the story the entire time, and it was a beautifully woven tale of love and heartbreak during World War II. Everything - both inside and outside of the circus - was so magical. The characters had so much depth, and I fell in love with (almost) each and every one.
Graphic: Death, War, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Grief, Xenophobia, Violence, Medical content, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, and Genocide
briannad4's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content and Genocide
Minor: Fire/Fire injury