Genre Fiction
![Amita Parikh - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_amita_parikh.jpg)
The Circus Train
International Bestseller and #1 LibraryReads Pick for December 2022
Water for Elephants meets The Night Circus in this World War II debut about a magnificent travelling circus, a star-crossed romance, and one girl's coming-of-age during the darkest of times.
"A powerful reminder that to live is not just to survive, but to be seen and known for ourselves." -Pam Jenoff, author of The Orphan's Tale
When all is lost, how do you find the courage to keep moving forward?
1938. 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-who uses a wheelchair after a childhood bout with polio-yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, her mind stronger than the limitations placed on her by society. Then her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and a mysterious past.
As World War II escalates around them, their friendship blossoms into something deeper while Alexandre trains as the illusionist's apprentice. But when Theo and Alexandre are arrested and made to perform in a town for Jews set up by the Nazis, Lena is separated from everything she knows. Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible-herself.
Water for Elephants meets The Night Circus in this World War II debut about a magnificent travelling circus, a star-crossed romance, and one girl's coming-of-age during the darkest of times.
"A powerful reminder that to live is not just to survive, but to be seen and known for ourselves." -Pam Jenoff, author of The Orphan's Tale
When all is lost, how do you find the courage to keep moving forward?
1938. 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-who uses a wheelchair after a childhood bout with polio-yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, her mind stronger than the limitations placed on her by society. Then her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and a mysterious past.
As World War II escalates around them, their friendship blossoms into something deeper while Alexandre trains as the illusionist's apprentice. But when Theo and Alexandre are arrested and made to perform in a town for Jews set up by the Nazis, Lena is separated from everything she knows. Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible-herself.
Editorial Reviews
One of Washington Post's 10 Noteworthy Books for December 2022
One of BookRiot's 8 New Historical Fiction Reads Set During and After WWII
One of Library Journal's Top 20 Fall Debut Novels
"A passionate and gripping tale of unlikely alliances and hidden strengths, and a powerful reminder that to live is not just to survive, but to be seen and known for ourselves." -Pam Jenoff, author of The Woman With the Blue Star
"Magic, love, destiny, and illusion combine with the glitter of 20th century circus life and the heartbreak of war….A powerful tale of hope in the face of tragedy and great love in the face of staggering loss…Extraordinary debut." -Kristin Harmel, author of The Book of Lost Names and The Forest of Vanishing Stars
"A friendship turns into something more just as the Nazis are zeroing in on the traveling show." -Washington Post
"Immersive and intricately plotted…Parikh has created a carefully researched historical debut whose bighearted, sensitive protagonist makes the reader's emotional journey well worth it. Lively and richly detailed." -Kirkus Reviews
"[A] multilevel story of friendship, love, and survival spanning the World War II era…It is Parikh's sensitive eye toward the reality of living with polio in the 1930s to 1950s that is the real heart of this romantic tale." -Library Journal
"Fascinating…Parikh's extensive historical research adds authenticity to the lives of the circus performers as well as Lena's disability, and the characters' arcs highlight the ever-present dangers in WWII Europe and make palpable the strength of friendship. Fans of historical fiction will be drawn to this page-turner." -Publishers Weekly
"Parikh creates storytelling magic in her absorbing tale of a young woman discovering her own capabilities." -Booklist
"A dazzling and delightful debut." -Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife
"Sit back and enjoy as this magical story transports you through war-torn Europe, demonstrating how family can be found in the most unconventional ways." -Shilpi Somaya Gowda, author of The Secret Daughter
"Deeply ent...
One of BookRiot's 8 New Historical Fiction Reads Set During and After WWII
One of Library Journal's Top 20 Fall Debut Novels
"A passionate and gripping tale of unlikely alliances and hidden strengths, and a powerful reminder that to live is not just to survive, but to be seen and known for ourselves." -Pam Jenoff, author of The Woman With the Blue Star
"Magic, love, destiny, and illusion combine with the glitter of 20th century circus life and the heartbreak of war….A powerful tale of hope in the face of tragedy and great love in the face of staggering loss…Extraordinary debut." -Kristin Harmel, author of The Book of Lost Names and The Forest of Vanishing Stars
"A friendship turns into something more just as the Nazis are zeroing in on the traveling show." -Washington Post
"Immersive and intricately plotted…Parikh has created a carefully researched historical debut whose bighearted, sensitive protagonist makes the reader's emotional journey well worth it. Lively and richly detailed." -Kirkus Reviews
"[A] multilevel story of friendship, love, and survival spanning the World War II era…It is Parikh's sensitive eye toward the reality of living with polio in the 1930s to 1950s that is the real heart of this romantic tale." -Library Journal
"Fascinating…Parikh's extensive historical research adds authenticity to the lives of the circus performers as well as Lena's disability, and the characters' arcs highlight the ever-present dangers in WWII Europe and make palpable the strength of friendship. Fans of historical fiction will be drawn to this page-turner." -Publishers Weekly
"Parikh creates storytelling magic in her absorbing tale of a young woman discovering her own capabilities." -Booklist
"A dazzling and delightful debut." -Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife
"Sit back and enjoy as this magical story transports you through war-torn Europe, demonstrating how family can be found in the most unconventional ways." -Shilpi Somaya Gowda, author of The Secret Daughter
"Deeply ent...
Short Excerpt Teaser
Chapter One
September 1938-London, England
"How many do you think there are?"
"D'you think any of them are handsome?"
"Trust you, Suze, to ask that!"
Lena Papadopoulos stared at the two girls standing a few feet in front of her. They were gathered at the end of the hallway that led to the circus director's study, trying their best to gauge what was happening behind the closed doors.
Laura, an acrobat from Brighton, pulled her long blond hair into a ponytail and crouched down on the plush blue carpet. She was what the director, Horace, called a circus chameleon, possessing the rare ability to slip into any number of acts-aerial silks, trapeze, contortion-on a moment's notice.
"Maybe I can spot something from this angle." She splayed herself flat on her stomach and rested her chin in the tiny gap where the carpet met the cool marbled tile that made up the study's foyer. Lena thought she looked like an elegant, upside-down starfish.
"Oh, do get up! This is pointless," Suze moaned, a spray of springy red curls bouncing madly around her face. Suze had joined the circus in Dublin a year ago and was training to be a water ballerina. She jutted her hip out and glanced at Laura brushing lint from her leotard. "I dare you to go up there."
"No thanks."
"Go on," Suze cajoled.
"No." Laura stretched her slender arms overhead and arched her rib cage forward.
Suze pouted and began kicking at the hallway baseboards, her bright green eyes roving around impishly before settling on Lena.
"Why hello, Lena. Didn't notice you there."
Lena blushed. She hadn't realized Suze even knew her name. "Hi," she squeaked, tentatively inching herself forward. A wide smile spread across Suze's face.
"How'd you like to play a game?" She pointed toward Horace's study. "If you go up there and see if there are any handsome boys, I'll give you a shilling."
"Suze," Laura warned.
"I'd like to play," Lena answered, grateful for the chance to be included.
A satisfied smile settled on Suze's face and she nodded toward the study. "Whenever you're ready."
Lena took a deep breath and began rolling herself forward. As she crossed over from the carpet onto the smooth marble, she felt her stomach turn somersaults and told herself firmly not to mess up. She had a chance to be a part of Suze's friend group. Everyone loved Suze. She was like a firefly, her magnetic temperament attracting the attention of boys and girls alike. As she drew closer to the double oak doors, Lena imagined what it would be like to sit next to Suze at meals and have those same children clamoring to speak with her.
Horace's study was housed in its own carriage, styled in a way that one would expect from the wealthy entertainment impresario. A giant spotlight shone from each side of the doors, ensuring that whenever Horace entered or exited, he was always the center of attention. A tiny row of hand-painted blue-and-gold tiles ran around the perimeter of the foyer. In the center, a stunning Ming vase, crafted from the finest porcelain, sat on a stone pedestal. The marble floor had been imported from a quarry in Italy, and the space just outside the doors was inlaid with a custom mosaic emblem of Horace's initials.
Lena came to a halt outside the entrance, positioning herself so that she could peer directly into the keyhole that was level with her line of sight.
"Well?" Suze whispered loudly.
Lena squinted, pushing one of the blue velvet tassels that hung from the brass door knockers out of the way. She could make out two young girls, a boy who looked to be a bit older than her, a set of older boys who were probably teenagers, a few adults, some children, and a mother jiggling her baby in her arms.
"I think I see him. Tall, black hair? Holding juggling balls?"
"That's him!" Suze nodded vigorously. "What's he saying?"
Lena placed her ear against the keyhole and tried to listen. While she waited, she thought about the inaugural dinner to be held that evening, the marquee event that kicked off the World of Wonders tour. Every year, Horace threw a lavish feast in the grand dining hall before the tour commenced. To be accepted into the World of Wonders was a prestigious thing, and Horace saw to it that no expense was spared. Last year's dinner had an Alice in Wonderland theme and featured dishes like mock turtle soup, glorious icebox cakes in every shape and size, and glasses of champagne with little tags that read Drink Me. After the meal, everyone had spilled outside, engaging in games of croquet with wooden mallets designed to look l...
September 1938-London, England
"How many do you think there are?"
"D'you think any of them are handsome?"
"Trust you, Suze, to ask that!"
Lena Papadopoulos stared at the two girls standing a few feet in front of her. They were gathered at the end of the hallway that led to the circus director's study, trying their best to gauge what was happening behind the closed doors.
Laura, an acrobat from Brighton, pulled her long blond hair into a ponytail and crouched down on the plush blue carpet. She was what the director, Horace, called a circus chameleon, possessing the rare ability to slip into any number of acts-aerial silks, trapeze, contortion-on a moment's notice.
"Maybe I can spot something from this angle." She splayed herself flat on her stomach and rested her chin in the tiny gap where the carpet met the cool marbled tile that made up the study's foyer. Lena thought she looked like an elegant, upside-down starfish.
"Oh, do get up! This is pointless," Suze moaned, a spray of springy red curls bouncing madly around her face. Suze had joined the circus in Dublin a year ago and was training to be a water ballerina. She jutted her hip out and glanced at Laura brushing lint from her leotard. "I dare you to go up there."
"No thanks."
"Go on," Suze cajoled.
"No." Laura stretched her slender arms overhead and arched her rib cage forward.
Suze pouted and began kicking at the hallway baseboards, her bright green eyes roving around impishly before settling on Lena.
"Why hello, Lena. Didn't notice you there."
Lena blushed. She hadn't realized Suze even knew her name. "Hi," she squeaked, tentatively inching herself forward. A wide smile spread across Suze's face.
"How'd you like to play a game?" She pointed toward Horace's study. "If you go up there and see if there are any handsome boys, I'll give you a shilling."
"Suze," Laura warned.
"I'd like to play," Lena answered, grateful for the chance to be included.
A satisfied smile settled on Suze's face and she nodded toward the study. "Whenever you're ready."
Lena took a deep breath and began rolling herself forward. As she crossed over from the carpet onto the smooth marble, she felt her stomach turn somersaults and told herself firmly not to mess up. She had a chance to be a part of Suze's friend group. Everyone loved Suze. She was like a firefly, her magnetic temperament attracting the attention of boys and girls alike. As she drew closer to the double oak doors, Lena imagined what it would be like to sit next to Suze at meals and have those same children clamoring to speak with her.
Horace's study was housed in its own carriage, styled in a way that one would expect from the wealthy entertainment impresario. A giant spotlight shone from each side of the doors, ensuring that whenever Horace entered or exited, he was always the center of attention. A tiny row of hand-painted blue-and-gold tiles ran around the perimeter of the foyer. In the center, a stunning Ming vase, crafted from the finest porcelain, sat on a stone pedestal. The marble floor had been imported from a quarry in Italy, and the space just outside the doors was inlaid with a custom mosaic emblem of Horace's initials.
Lena came to a halt outside the entrance, positioning herself so that she could peer directly into the keyhole that was level with her line of sight.
"Well?" Suze whispered loudly.
Lena squinted, pushing one of the blue velvet tassels that hung from the brass door knockers out of the way. She could make out two young girls, a boy who looked to be a bit older than her, a set of older boys who were probably teenagers, a few adults, some children, and a mother jiggling her baby in her arms.
"I think I see him. Tall, black hair? Holding juggling balls?"
"That's him!" Suze nodded vigorously. "What's he saying?"
Lena placed her ear against the keyhole and tried to listen. While she waited, she thought about the inaugural dinner to be held that evening, the marquee event that kicked off the World of Wonders tour. Every year, Horace threw a lavish feast in the grand dining hall before the tour commenced. To be accepted into the World of Wonders was a prestigious thing, and Horace saw to it that no expense was spared. Last year's dinner had an Alice in Wonderland theme and featured dishes like mock turtle soup, glorious icebox cakes in every shape and size, and glasses of champagne with little tags that read Drink Me. After the meal, everyone had spilled outside, engaging in games of croquet with wooden mallets designed to look l...
