The Circus Train

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.