The Circus Train Audiobook By Amita Parikh cover art

The Circus Train

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The Circus Train

By: Amita Parikh
Narrated by: Imogen Church
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About this listen

International Bestseller and #1 LibraryReads Pick

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.

©2022 Amita Parikh (P)2022 Penguin Audio
20th Century Coming of Age Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction
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Critic reviews

“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)

"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)

Intriguing Plot • Compelling Storyline • Excellent Accents • Skilled Narrator • Surprising Twists • Feel-good Story
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I wasn’t sure how I’d like this book, as I’ve had a hard time getting into circus-themed books in the past. But this read much more like a well-researched historical fiction novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Pleasantly surprised!

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Did not like that it kept skipping years ahead right when something significant was getting ready to happen. Did enjoy listening to the reader.

Skipping

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Great story of love, hardship, adventure and grit. Narrator good with female voices, not so much with the males

Great Story

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It was a beautiful story, ending was a bit predictable, but nice twists in between. Wonderful performance.

Beautiful story

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A very surprising story of a girl overcoming so much and persevering through it all. I expected more to be directed to the war and the camps in general. But this was a very interesting take from a different point of view. I loved the twists that kept me guessing and of course the love story building throughout. Overall well done and would definitely recommend

Not what I expected!

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This was an interesting and compelling story. The first chapters were a little slow but I’m glad I stayed. The narration was a little slow but I sped it up to 1.2x and it was perfect. I loves the voices and I felt like I was taken to that time and place. If this was this authors first novel, I can’t wait to see more from her.

Beautiful

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This was a great feel good book. Yes there are ups and downs; that makes the story.

A great read

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One of the best books I’ve listened to in a really long time! Wonderful story, I couldn’t stop listening.

Love This Book

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I would recommend audiobook over reading this one. The way this story came alive with this performance reading was amazing!

Amazing Performance

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A touching story set in a dark period of history. You will fall in love or hate w the characters! Excellent all around. Amazing reading done by the voice actor!!

Five stars for this incredible novel!

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