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ninaw2's review against another edition
4.0
nice easy read. i always have trouble describing these WWII era books as nice or interesting cuz its such a horrific time and subject but I oddly enjoy it. There were many character stories within this one story which I thought was interesting. It may be a quick read but at some points I did think it was long, kinda wondering where it would go. did NOT see the ending coming, just when you thought it was over there's a twist.
chateauofbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!!
"Circus people don't ask who you were before, or what god you believe in - when you join the circus, you are family, whatever your past."
What led me to read this book, apart from its cover, was the plot, because i particularly like stories that include a circus theme, also the fact that it's from the historical fiction genre, set in Paris, 1940.
Something I didn't know when I started reading it until I finished it was that, at the end of the book, Carly Schabowski says that she was inspired by a REAL story for the plot of this book, which was the one of an Austrian circus owner named Adolf Althoff and his wife, who they helped a family in distress during World War II. This fact was something that I found great and interesting, it gives more value to the book, which i think it would have been nice if it was added to the beginning of the book or when promoting it.
At first it's kinda slow and boring, in addition to being somewhat predictable that i thought about stopping reading it or putting it aside, but i felt curious about what happens next, so what entertained me and encouraged me to continue reading, something that I liked about this book is the mystery behind the circus and it's characters, and the curiosity to know what happened at the end.
Since the protagonist Michael, runs into the circus and it's people, it starts to get interesting, since they don't tell him much and he begins to suspect that something isn't normal, the circus travels and things happen as this happens, and we can learn more about these peculiar characters. I like how they open up to Michael, when he is finally to be trusted, the friendship between the characters. The relationship between Michael and Frieda is insta-love, but I liked it. The ending worried me, but it turned up to be nice and emotional. This book was entertaining, i recommend it for readers who like the genre of historical fiction and historical themes, also if you like books with a circus theme and some romance.
Aspects i didn't like:
-Slow at the beginning and some parts.
-Inta-love between Michael and Frieda.
-Some parts or aspects were kinda predictable, but it can pass since it's historical fiction?.
Aspects i did like:
-The characters
-Friendship
-Backstories
-Some funny parts in the dialogues
-Michael and Frieda
-The mystery and curiosity at first
"Circus people don't ask who you were before, or what god you believe in - when you join the circus, you are family, whatever your past."
What led me to read this book, apart from its cover, was the plot, because i particularly like stories that include a circus theme, also the fact that it's from the historical fiction genre, set in Paris, 1940.
Something I didn't know when I started reading it until I finished it was that, at the end of the book, Carly Schabowski says that she was inspired by a REAL story for the plot of this book, which was the one of an Austrian circus owner named Adolf Althoff and his wife, who they helped a family in distress during World War II. This fact was something that I found great and interesting, it gives more value to the book, which i think it would have been nice if it was added to the beginning of the book or when promoting it.
At first it's kinda slow and boring, in addition to being somewhat predictable that i thought about stopping reading it or putting it aside, but i felt curious about what happens next, so what entertained me and encouraged me to continue reading, something that I liked about this book is the mystery behind the circus and it's characters, and the curiosity to know what happened at the end.
Since the protagonist Michael, runs into the circus and it's people, it starts to get interesting, since they don't tell him much and he begins to suspect that something isn't normal, the circus travels and things happen as this happens, and we can learn more about these peculiar characters. I like how they open up to Michael, when he is finally to be trusted, the friendship between the characters. The relationship between Michael and Frieda is insta-love, but I liked it. The ending worried me, but it turned up to be nice and emotional. This book was entertaining, i recommend it for readers who like the genre of historical fiction and historical themes, also if you like books with a circus theme and some romance.
Aspects i didn't like:
-Slow at the beginning and some parts.
-Inta-love between Michael and Frieda.
-Some parts or aspects were kinda predictable, but it can pass since it's historical fiction?.
Aspects i did like:
-The characters
-Friendship
-Backstories
-Some funny parts in the dialogues
-Michael and Frieda
-The mystery and curiosity at first
shelfreflectionofficial's review against another edition
4.0
This was mostly a love story with a smattering of history. A new take on the ever so popular WWII novels, I loved that this story mostly took place on the road with a traveling circus in France. While the author didn't detail all the ins and outs of the circus, she still did a great job of creating this surreal environment where the characters, living their nomadic life, could escape some of the despair of war-times and be part of bringing joy and wonder to the people they visited.
And isn't that what love does? At times love is this 'other world' that distracts you from pain and fear and makes your heart do flips. It gives you something to believe in and hold onto. I think the author created a brilliant juxtaposition of the love and danger, wonder and fear, good and evil that could be found during that time.
It is a story with a little bit of everything- it's humorous, mysterious, emotional, historical. It's not a life-changing book, but with something for everyone, it's one I highly recommend.
**I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
And isn't that what love does? At times love is this 'other world' that distracts you from pain and fear and makes your heart do flips. It gives you something to believe in and hold onto. I think the author created a brilliant juxtaposition of the love and danger, wonder and fear, good and evil that could be found during that time.
It is a story with a little bit of everything- it's humorous, mysterious, emotional, historical. It's not a life-changing book, but with something for everyone, it's one I highly recommend.
**I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
southernbellebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this take on WWII with a circus element. I was so shocked at how easily this time period and this circus trope worked together. I was fascinated with how this was going to go and it was such an excellent surprise. Wonderfully written and easy to read and follow.
charlottesbookcorner's review against another edition
3.0
The Ringmasters Daughter was a must try for me,. I was absolutely taken by that cover and the description was so amazing I really had to contain my excitement when i started reading it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
The book starts set in Paris, 1940. Twenty-year-old Michel Bonnet idecides to become a refuge in WW2 d when the Nazis invade, Michel becomes a refuge on a train that belongs to Le Cirque Neumann- A travelling circus where not everything is as you expect.
Review:
Overall I enjoyed the plot and story, but I don't think this was what I was expecting when I picked up the book. I was prepared for romance and more of the circus, but the story was much more focused on the historical features of the time period. Its not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. Overall the story flowed well and kept me engaged.
The world building was good. The main character Michel was developed well, as were the characters we meet as the story progressed.
This book shows the complexities and challenges that being in WW2 as someone with a secret or needing to run would have, but honestly I just wanted to read more about the circus and its characters.
Overall:
If you are looking for a WW2 historical fiction book to sink your teeth into right now this is definitely something to give a try!
Summary:
The book starts set in Paris, 1940. Twenty-year-old Michel Bonnet idecides to become a refuge in WW2 d when the Nazis invade, Michel becomes a refuge on a train that belongs to Le Cirque Neumann- A travelling circus where not everything is as you expect.
Review:
Overall I enjoyed the plot and story, but I don't think this was what I was expecting when I picked up the book. I was prepared for romance and more of the circus, but the story was much more focused on the historical features of the time period. Its not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. Overall the story flowed well and kept me engaged.
The world building was good. The main character Michel was developed well, as were the characters we meet as the story progressed.
This book shows the complexities and challenges that being in WW2 as someone with a secret or needing to run would have, but honestly I just wanted to read more about the circus and its characters.
Overall:
If you are looking for a WW2 historical fiction book to sink your teeth into right now this is definitely something to give a try!
tinkerbellsmyth's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
cfarron's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
thebrunettebookjunkie's review against another edition
4.0
When the Germans make their way to Paris in 1940, Michel Bonnet and his friend and neighbor, Bertrand, try to flee the city that they love. In the end, Bertrand decides to stay but secures Michel passage on a train as a stowaway. What Michel quickly discovers is that this is no ordinary train, it belongs to a circus. Ringmaster Wernher allows him to stay to work with the horses which is Michel's specialty but gives him strict rules and guidelines. Michel quickly falls in love with Freida, the raven haired trapeze artist who seems to belong to the ringmaster. There is something else going on within this group of misfits that Michel can't quite put his finger on but with war all around them, will their lives or their secrets stay safe?
I love historical fiction especially stories that take place in Paris and France. Set all that up against the backdrop of a circus and you have a winning recipe for a great book. I fell in love with the characters that Carly Schabowski created. I was enthralled from the beginning just by imagery alone which she does very well. There were plenty of times that the plot wasn't very deep but the story moved along based on her characters and setting. Rarely, do you get a historical fiction novel that leaves you with a truly happy ending but this one does. If WWII fiction can be lighthearted, this one is it.
I love historical fiction especially stories that take place in Paris and France. Set all that up against the backdrop of a circus and you have a winning recipe for a great book. I fell in love with the characters that Carly Schabowski created. I was enthralled from the beginning just by imagery alone which she does very well. There were plenty of times that the plot wasn't very deep but the story moved along based on her characters and setting. Rarely, do you get a historical fiction novel that leaves you with a truly happy ending but this one does. If WWII fiction can be lighthearted, this one is it.