chateauofbooks's review
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
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
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
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
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
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.
melaniesreads's review
4.0
This has to be one of the most exquisitely detailed books I’ve ever read, in fact I would go as far as to say it is so sumptuous in its imagery, that I found myself walking alongside Michel through the streets of Paris.
Sitting listening to the radio with Bertrand they hear that the war is moving closer and Bertrand pushes Michel into the decision to leave their apartments and flee to safety.
But Bertrand was never going to leave and after bidding farewell he pushes Michel onto a train and into a new adventure, as the train he has stowed away on is a circus train constantly on the move. The circus troupe consisting of the ringmaster, strongman, bearded lady, trapeze artists, an old lion and horses amongst the usual or perhaps unusual figures of a circus.
What then follows is a story of friendships formed against the backdrop of war, of love and romance and ultimately hope.
I will be upfront and admit that historical fiction isn’t my usual choice of read although I have read Water for elephants which I have seen this book compared to. However I am glad I left my comfort zone of thrillers to pick up this wonderful book. I will also admit that Bertrand was my favourite character and I would happily sit in one of his armchairs and describe this adventure to him like he used to do with his wife.
Rich in characterisation and setting imagery I implore you to read this and go travelling with the circus, but just make sure you pack a tissue.
Sitting listening to the radio with Bertrand they hear that the war is moving closer and Bertrand pushes Michel into the decision to leave their apartments and flee to safety.
But Bertrand was never going to leave and after bidding farewell he pushes Michel onto a train and into a new adventure, as the train he has stowed away on is a circus train constantly on the move. The circus troupe consisting of the ringmaster, strongman, bearded lady, trapeze artists, an old lion and horses amongst the usual or perhaps unusual figures of a circus.
What then follows is a story of friendships formed against the backdrop of war, of love and romance and ultimately hope.
I will be upfront and admit that historical fiction isn’t my usual choice of read although I have read Water for elephants which I have seen this book compared to. However I am glad I left my comfort zone of thrillers to pick up this wonderful book. I will also admit that Bertrand was my favourite character and I would happily sit in one of his armchairs and describe this adventure to him like he used to do with his wife.
Rich in characterisation and setting imagery I implore you to read this and go travelling with the circus, but just make sure you pack a tissue.
bitofabookworm's review
2.0
I was sucked in in by the cover...ever since reading 'Water for Elephants' a few years ago, I have been drawn to circus themed books.
This however was a mild book, if I'm totally honest I really struggled to connect with it, and wasn't desperately wanting to pick it back up.
Set in France, during WWII the book follows Michel who escapes Paris around the time of the German invasion, and finds himself tacking along with a circus train, tending their horses and being drawn to the mysterious performer, Freida. He has however, been forbidden by Ringmaster Werner from mixing with the performers.
The story itself is pleasant enough, and the writing is easy - but it felt quite slow paced at times.
Thank you to NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.
This however was a mild book, if I'm totally honest I really struggled to connect with it, and wasn't desperately wanting to pick it back up.
Set in France, during WWII the book follows Michel who escapes Paris around the time of the German invasion, and finds himself tacking along with a circus train, tending their horses and being drawn to the mysterious performer, Freida. He has however, been forbidden by Ringmaster Werner from mixing with the performers.
The story itself is pleasant enough, and the writing is easy - but it felt quite slow paced at times.
Thank you to NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.