Reviews - The Circus Train

1.14k reviews for:

“Your greatest achievements often grow out of the worst circumstances.” I really enjoyed this book! All of the characters were lovable and their development throughout the book kept me engaged. It was a page turner for me. I also liked the authors note and discussion questions!

boothbca58's review against another edition

4.0

informative reflective medium-paced

tennisgirl27's review against another edition

5.0

Don’t let the name of this book fool you as the Circus Train is just a small part of this great Historical Fiction book. The book takes place in the WW II timeframe and tells the story of an Illusionist’s daughter who was born with Polio. She meets a Jewish stowaway on the Circus Train and the story unfolds. It was a wonderful set of characters and themes of persevering through difficult times. I really enjoyed this book even though it dragged a tad through the middle. 5/5

kgentry4's review against another edition

4.0

I'm a sucker for a gpod WWII book, and I really liked the twist this one had with the circus storyline. It was a very slow front 50% of the book, but the second half was much better, and by the end, I couldn't put it down. 3.5 stars rounded up (which I pretty much never do, but this time I feel it's warranted).

ellen_alt's review against another edition

DNF - The first third of this book was rather boring, and I just couldn't bring myself to finish it.

kmcalindin's review against another edition

4.0

I've never been particularly into the circus, but for whatever reason I can't resist it as the setting for a novel. The first half of this book takes place on a traveling circus making its way around Europe at the start of WWII. The second half is what you would expect from a WWII historical fiction. I didn't find it to be particularly gruesome in terms of Holocaust details, but of course there are upsetting moments. Overall, I really enjoyed this story of determination, loss, and the uncanny way lives can unfold.

novelyjaded's review against another edition

3.0

Europe is on the brink of war but there are still those who believe that they can use a bit of mysticism and magic to push on.
Young Lena had grown up in the circus, courtesy of her illusionist father Theo. Her physical limitations have left her feeling an outsider in such a world of wonder. Until one day she finds a stowaway.
Alexandre has spent his life on the run, always hiding who he was from the world. Now he has been offered a chance to change his destiny; but not without a few strings attached.
Young love torn apart by war and deception. The circus life isn’t all you may have dreamed.

Parikh does an amazing job capturing life for those who weren’t certain they would live to see another day. She touches on issues of race, physical disability, hardship, resilience, love, and regret. Definitely worth a read