An magical international bestseller about a young girl in a wheelchair whose life with a travelling circus is upended as Europe is ravaged by the Second World War. Brought together by magic. Torn apart by war. Europe, 1938. Even as the daughter of the extraordinary headlining illusionist, Lena Papadopoulos has never quite found her place within the World of Wonders - a travelling circus that traverses the continent in a luxury steam engine. Brilliant and curious, Lena yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, despite the limitations she feels in her wheelchair. But when a young French orphan, Alexandre, comes aboard the circus train, Lenas life is infused with magic and wonder for the first time. But outside the bright lights of the circus, darkness is descending on Europe. War is about to shatter Lenas world, and take away everything she holds dear. And to recover what she has lost, Lena will have to believe in the impossible. A must-read for fans of Water for Elephants, The Circus Train will take readers on a heart-wrenching two-decade journey across a continent in which great beauty and unimaginable horror live side by side. Review. A magical, vibrant parade of a novel about extraordinary people finding light in historys darkest decades. Spellbinding stuff -- Erin Kelly, author of HE SAID SHE SAID. Intricately plotted with a rich cast of characters, The Circus Train is a compelling story of magic and survival against the odds. ― SUNDAY TIMES. An enchanting story of love, loss and survival in a world wrecked by war -- Eithne Farry ― MAIL ON SUNDAY. Impeccably researched . . .The Circus Train is unashamedly romantic, but Parikh is never mawkish. Lena is an intelligent, feisty heroine and her rite of passage is compelling. In the end, this is an uplifting read and a welcome escape from our turbulent times. -- Lucy Popescu ― GUARDIAN. Lucinda Riley fans will love this heartwarming novel . . . a story full of hope and bravery -- Nina Pottell ― PRIMA. A gorgeous debut, full of wonder, hope and heartbreak ― WOMANS WEEKLY. Parikhs storytelling skills evoke the world of duplicity and desperation lying behind the scenes of circus dazzle. Thorough research adds a further note of welcome authenticity. A compelling story of love, loss, betrayal and deceit overshadowed by the threat of World War II. -- Fanny Blake ― DAILY MAIL. Utterly absorbing -- Heidi Swain, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE WINTER GARDEN. Step onto The Circus Train and prepare for a fantastical journey back in time, to another world with vibrant characters that leap from the page. I read The Circus Train in just two sittings, immersed in Lenas world, fascinated by the historical details that the author cleverly weaves through the plot. Highly recommended if you love historical fiction with a touch of heart-warming and magical romance, or if you crave a huge dose of adventure. -- Louise Morrish, author of OPERATION MOONLIGHT. About the Author -
Amita Parikh received an honours BSc from the University of Toronto before moving to London, England, where she completed the Curtis Brown creative writing course and the Royal Court Theatres writers program. She works in the tech industry and produces and hosts a podcast dedicated to women in sports. The Circus Train is her first novel.