I always think that circus trope fiction was enchanting and to see how this premise was inspired from the Golden Age of Magic and the German circus circa 1930s-1940s with a backdrop of pre and post WWII it gets me intrigued more. The plot brought me to delve into a gripping family dynamics and stories of friendship in between Lena and her father, Theo who works as an illusionist with a circus troupe and Alexandre, a young Jew who accidently hopped into their circus train one day. From a wondrous journey to a series of unexpected tragedies, a secret that being kept safe and a love that set to reunite again after years— lightly nuanced for a historical setting yet quite immersive and so emotionally driven to me.

The story arc and progression were mainly through Lena’s perspective exploring on her experiences while living with polio; those prejudice due to her walking disability, her devotion and determination towards education and life— so admirably narrated even though at times she can be pessimistic and bit dramatic yet I love her flaws, dynamic and execution a lot. Glimpses of war was fairly reflected, the impact shown was minimal but when the plot directed towards Theo and Alexandre’s days living in the concentration camp it gets quite intense and richly haunting; appreciate the author’s extensive research on Theresienstadt and it surprised me too that Anton Burger’s character was inspired from a real person with the same reputation of cruelty.

Despite being quite predictable with the ending, I was stunned with Theo’s revelation about his family towards the end; I know there would be a twist but I did not sign up for the heart-rending story of Gia. So poignant and it was such a tender read for me, overall. A compelling portrait of love and destiny in a tale of hope, loss and survival. Well written too for a debut, I think. Would go with 4 stars to this!

Thank you Pansing Distribution for sending me a copy to review!