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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
What a wonderful debut! I read a LOT of WWII fiction, and this was a unique storyline that brought something new to the table. It’s easy to root for Lena and feel invested in her life.
This book tells the story of Lena, a little girl who survived polio and as a result is wheelchair bound, as well as her father, a talented illusionist named Theo, a Jewish orphan named Alexandre, and a whole cast of circus train characters. It spans two decades of war, love and loss, secrets and perseverance. I read the entire book in one sitting!
This book tells the story of Lena, a little girl who survived polio and as a result is wheelchair bound, as well as her father, a talented illusionist named Theo, a Jewish orphan named Alexandre, and a whole cast of circus train characters. It spans two decades of war, love and loss, secrets and perseverance. I read the entire book in one sitting!
3.5 stars. I liked the premise of the book and the main character Lena. The telling of her story over many years was interesting but the rest of the book around it fell flat. I don’t like how the last few chapters came together.
This book was a little young for me. Young love that lasts... Too angsty. Too much young adult for me. Not enough for me to lose myself in the story. This is the authors debut novel, so will give her another try when she comes out with a new book.
Certainly more than just a love story between two young people, but a story of love between a father and daughter, love in friendships, love in times of tragedy and a war filled world, and love and belief that you can overcome anything that life throws at you.
This is my perfect book. I think the author wrote this specifically for me and my tastes. Historical WW2 fiction. A dazzling circus. An intense first childhood love. A disabled main character. Literally could not ask for more.
medium-paced
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Strong opening half, faded a bit at the back. Still really enjoyed.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Wow, what a lovely story! Writing-wise, it was honestly more like 4 ⭐️, but the joy & beauty of the story just made so happy that I had to rate it based off of that. The circus train was such an interesting setting, and I loved the characters & full circle ending so much!