REVIEW: The Circus Train by Anita Parikh

The Circus Train by Anita Parikh:When brilliant historical fiction meets magical realism, we are gifted a brilliant genre that harnesses the best elements of both, exploiting themes with clever attention to detail and shaping characters whose internal motivations are complex yet entirely human. Spanning across two decades during the Second World War period, we travel Lena’s journey.

Raised within the confines of the circus as the daughter of one of the main acts, Lena’s disability is used as a bind by her father Theo to protect her from the real world – the world she starves to explore. After befriending and subsequently rescuing Alexandre whose shady past is a delight to unravel, the war in Europe breaks out ferociously, and after Lena has everything taken from her, she is forced to find her way in the world alone and with nothing but her courage, self belief and resilience.

Overwhelmingly, the spirit of determination marks Lena as a true hero. Supported by her tutor Clara’s belief in her and the strength of love Alexandre has for her, she is separated from her world where nothing and no one is safe. And despite this, in a world that has little tolerance for people living with disability, Lena and her spirit prevail. At times there were elements to Lena’s character that hinted a little at ableism and there was an undercurrent of meritocracy wherein if Lena worked hard enough she would be cured of her disability.

Fortunately however, the complexity and description of the war torn world around her was incredibly apt and equally horrifying as WWII books typically are. Additionally, the deep love and friendship between Alexandre and Lena was inspired, and for lovers of true romance, their story is one of light in a time of true darkness.

Without doubt this is a great read and apart from some slight over-telling, hits the nails on the head in terms of true love stories and stories that speak of the human spirit triumphing over all. Opening with some magical descriptions of the circus, the period and the social condition, the Circus Train will take you on a journey that is worth travelling.

Book Info:

Publication: 30th December 2022 | Harper Collins |

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 yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, despite her father’s overprotection and the limits her world places on her because she is disabled. Her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and a mysterious past. Over several years, as their friendship flourishes and Alexandre trains as the illusionist’s apprentice, World War II escalates around them. When Theo and Alexandre are contracted to work and perform in a model town for Jews set up by the Nazis, Lena becomes separated from everything she knows. Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible–herself.