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The Circus Train

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The Circus Train

By: Amita Parikh
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

THE MAGICAL INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

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, Lena's 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 Lena's 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-listen for fans of Water for Elephants, The Circus Train will take listeners on a heart-wrenching two-decade journey across a continent in which great beauty and unimaginable horror live side by side.

2023, HWA Debut Crown Award, Short-listed

©2022 Amita Parikh (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK 20th Century Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance South Asian Creators Magic Elephant

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Critic reviews

A magical, vibrant parade of a novel about extraordinary people finding light in history's darkest decades. Spellbinding stuff (Erin Kelly, author of HE SAID SHE SAID)
An enchanting story of love, loss and survival in a world wrecked by war (Eithne Farry)
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)
Lucinda Riley fans will love this heartwarming novel . . . a story full of hope and bravery (Nina Pottell)
Parikh's 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)
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 Lena's 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)
Stunning . . . The Circus Train conjures up the glittering story of Lena, a young, disabled woman in a travelling circus. In the face of terrible adversity, she is determined not just to survive, but to thrive. (Polly Crosby, author of THE ILLUSTRATED CHILD)
Absorbing and satisfying (Sarah Morgan, author of SLEEPLESS IN MANHATTAN)
A spellbinding and life affirming novel, The Circus Train captivates from the very first page (Iris Costello, author of THE SECRETS OF ROCHESTER PLACE)
All stars
Most relevant
The narrator was brilliant, the best one I’ve ever heard, and I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks the writing was excellent. I loved it all, apart from the disability angle where the protagonist loses her disability, thought it was a bit dull in that respect tawdry aspect of an otherwise excellent book

Brilliant, narrator boring disability storyline, but apart from that good

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This is a Heart worming spellbound story well worth listening to the narrator does a fantastic job in making it a pleasure to listen to

Fantastic

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I don’t normally take the time to write reviews but I enjoyed this audiobook so much I felt I had to give the writer credit. A story to really transport you away and at times it made me stop what I was doing to just listen.

I love the circus

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Excellently read, stunning book I was gripped the whole way it’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read (heard). I loved the characters, the relationship dynamics and the history. I’ve already recommended it to lots of people.

Stunning book highly recommend

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I just loved this book. It was a proper story and listening was made so enjoyable by one of the best female narrators I’ve ever heard - thanks to Anita and Kristen for making this one of my favourite audible experiences 🥰

Excellent story 👍

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