The Circus Train

October 17, 2022
Parikh debuts with a fascinating story of a traveling circus in Europe during WWII. After illusionist Theo Papadopoulos’s wife dies in childbirth in Greece, he raises their daughter. Lena, who uses a wheelchair after a case of polio, feels isolated as a preteen until she finds companionship with Alexandre Robichaud, an orphaned Jewish boy hiding in the circus’s train as it crosses Amsterdam in 1938. By 1942, Lena and Alexandre’s friendship has blossomed into romance. Then, circus owner Horace learns of Theo’s plans to leave the circus to seek asylum for himself and Lena in the U.S. Enraged, Horace allows the S.S. into the train to capture Theo for hiding alleged fugitive Alexandre, leading to Theo and Alexandre’s internment at the Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, where they perform as illusionists. Without her father and the friendship of Alexandre, Lena leaves the circus and seeks her former governess Clara in hopes Clara will take her in. 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. Agent: Therese Coen, Hardman & Swainson.

March 1, 2023

In 1938, nine-year-old Lena Papadopoulos, the daughter of an illusionist, struggles to find her place within her circus community. Stricken with polio as an infant, Lena has lived a privileged, if secluded, life amid the mystery and intrigue of the circus. Everything changes when, just as World War II erupts, she encounters Alexandre, a Jewish orphan, on the train. As their friendship blossoms into more, the two are separated by the Nazis, and Lena is forced to make her way in the world on her own. Parikh's debut is a lush and romantic read set during a time when the world faced one of its greatest horrors. Though the Holocaust looms, the story is really about Lena and her growth into the woman she was meant to be. Imogen Church provides a striking narration, deftly switching between Lena and Alexandre, capturing their accents and affectingly portraying their growth into adults who have faced unimaginable hardships. Magic and science blend beautifully in this gorgeous debut novel. VERDICT Though set during the Holocaust, this uplifting and sensitive story offers a heartwarming look into the lives of two young people. Perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus.--Elyssa Everling

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.