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The Ringmaster's Daughter
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.
Paris, 1940. Twenty-year-old Michel Bonnet lives on the edge of the law, finding work where he can breaking in horses on the outskirts of the city. But when the Nazis invade, Michel takes refuge as a stowaway on a rickety train bound for the rural south. It’s a journey that will change his life forever.
The train is property of Le Cirque Neumann – a travelling circus owned by the troubled and irritable showman Werner Neumann. Neumann offers Michel a job caring for the company’s horses – a lucky break, but with an unusual condition attached. Michel must keep to himself and never speak of what he sees behind the glittering curtain of the big top.
But as Michel finds himself pulled into the strange and wondrous world of the great spectacular it becomes more difficult to keep his promise. Why does the man with the performing monkey never speak, and the sword swallower turn his face away? Who are the silent, shadowy figures who flit like moths between the wagons when the sun is down? It’s clear that Neumann is keeping his performers hidden away… but why? And how can Michel win the love of the beautiful and exotic trapeze artist Freida – the graceful, green-eyed star of Neuman’s spectacular – when he’s been forbidden to even meet her gaze?
An emotional and uplifting wartime novel – perfect for fans of Water for Elephants, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Paris, 1940. Twenty-year-old Michel Bonnet lives on the edge of the law, finding work where he can breaking in horses on the outskirts of the city. But when the Nazis invade, Michel takes refuge as a stowaway on a rickety train bound for the rural south. It’s a journey that will change his life forever.
The train is property of Le Cirque Neumann – a travelling circus owned by the troubled and irritable showman Werner Neumann. Neumann offers Michel a job caring for the company’s horses – a lucky break, but with an unusual condition attached. Michel must keep to himself and never speak of what he sees behind the glittering curtain of the big top.
But as Michel finds himself pulled into the strange and wondrous world of the great spectacular it becomes more difficult to keep his promise. Why does the man with the performing monkey never speak, and the sword swallower turn his face away? Who are the silent, shadowy figures who flit like moths between the wagons when the sun is down? It’s clear that Neumann is keeping his performers hidden away… but why? And how can Michel win the love of the beautiful and exotic trapeze artist Freida – the graceful, green-eyed star of Neuman’s spectacular – when he’s been forbidden to even meet her gaze?
An emotional and uplifting wartime novel – perfect for fans of Water for Elephants, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2020
About the author
Carly Schabowski
10 books154 followersCarly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University.
Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly’s debut novel and will be published by Bookouture in July 2020, with her second novel, The Watchmaker of Dachau coming out later that year. These texts are both true, epic, moving historical novels centred around survival, human suffering, and the finding of love within the backdrop of the desperate and uncertain times of 1940s Europe
Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly’s debut novel and will be published by Bookouture in July 2020, with her second novel, The Watchmaker of Dachau coming out later that year. These texts are both true, epic, moving historical novels centred around survival, human suffering, and the finding of love within the backdrop of the desperate and uncertain times of 1940s Europe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
August 31, 2020
I was tempted by the beautiful cover and the promise of a circus story. It turned out to be a very sorry kind of circus though and the story was much too much like Water for Elephants only not told so well.
Still there were redeeming features. The setting in France while it was being invaded by Germany was interesting. Many of the characters had well developed back stories - also interesting. I enjoyed all the parts about the horses too!
The love story was pretty good but the ending was far fetched.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Still there were redeeming features. The setting in France while it was being invaded by Germany was interesting. Many of the characters had well developed back stories - also interesting. I enjoyed all the parts about the horses too!
The love story was pretty good but the ending was far fetched.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 20, 2024
This is a historical fiction book that takes place in Paris, France in 1940's. Michel Bonnet hinds away on a train to get out of Paris when the war started to head to Paris, and the train turn out to be a circus train. I have read many historical book with circus as the plot, but this one I really could not get into. It is was just ok I think. I want my historical fiction book to really touch my heart, or to move me in some way. This book did not do that. It was a good story overall. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Carly Schabowski) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 23, 2020
This book is such a thing of beauty in so many ways. The story of a traveling circus trying to avoid the Germans during WWII. An innocent and sweet love. Prose that draws you in immediately and you just melt into thIs story. I cannot think of a better way to spend a weekend than cuddled up with this story of sheer splender. My top book of the year thus far!
August 22, 2020
How gorgeous is the cover picture! ❤️ The cover picture of this book was what tempted me towards reading this book.
Michel Bonnet manages to escape Paris with the help of his mentor and good friend Bertrand, before the Nazis attack the capital in 1940. Bertrand tells Michel to jump on a random freight train and go have an adventure, which in a sense Michel does since the train turns out to be a travelling circus troupe by the name of Le Cirque Neumann. At first the ringmaster, Werner Neumann takes an instant disliking towards Michel and has him thrown out of the train but later, is forced to hire him to train the circus's star horses when Werner comes to know about Michel's horse training abilities. However, Werner forbids Michel to interact with the other members of the troupe and keep solely to his horse training. Despite that, Michel ends up forming a close friendship with Jean Jaques, a giant and Giordanio, a dwarf and later is welcomed (by varying degrees) as being part of the team by the rest of the troupe... Neumann included. The circus troupe consists of an array of interesting misfits of performers who all are surrounded by a shroud of mystery, led by the trapeze artist Frieda for whom Michel develops strong, romantic feelings. During his year being part of this circus in the midst of the spread of the Nazis in France, Michel not only gets to know the sad, tragic story of this circus and its members but also comes to understand what true friendship, being a team player and being a leader means...what being a ringmaster truly means.
The book covers the period from 1940-1946 and is divided into four sections denoting the four seasons, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Summer denotes the promise of adventure which Michel has embarked on, Autumn the trials and troubles the troupe face as the Nazi invasion spreads in the country, Winter the bleakest moments of Michel's life when he thinks he has lost everything and everyone and Spring which once again brings promise and hope back into Michel's life. Michel is 20 years old at the start of the book and is 28 by the end of it and he not only grows in age but as a person as well. From being shy and timid at the beginning of the book, he grows into a confident and brave man--a person who, when the moment calls, is ready to become the leader and protector of the small community of people he considers family.
This book is a story with WWII as a backdrop. It's a story about a group of entertainers who, despite carrying their own personal tragic baggage with them, dealing with lack of proper resources and trying to escape constant danger, work tirelessly as a team to bring a smile, some entertainment and some normalcy to people living amidst the bleakest moment in time. I am still in two minds about the ending though...
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Carly Schabowski for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: 3.5*
Michel Bonnet manages to escape Paris with the help of his mentor and good friend Bertrand, before the Nazis attack the capital in 1940. Bertrand tells Michel to jump on a random freight train and go have an adventure, which in a sense Michel does since the train turns out to be a travelling circus troupe by the name of Le Cirque Neumann. At first the ringmaster, Werner Neumann takes an instant disliking towards Michel and has him thrown out of the train but later, is forced to hire him to train the circus's star horses when Werner comes to know about Michel's horse training abilities. However, Werner forbids Michel to interact with the other members of the troupe and keep solely to his horse training. Despite that, Michel ends up forming a close friendship with Jean Jaques, a giant and Giordanio, a dwarf and later is welcomed (by varying degrees) as being part of the team by the rest of the troupe... Neumann included. The circus troupe consists of an array of interesting misfits of performers who all are surrounded by a shroud of mystery, led by the trapeze artist Frieda for whom Michel develops strong, romantic feelings. During his year being part of this circus in the midst of the spread of the Nazis in France, Michel not only gets to know the sad, tragic story of this circus and its members but also comes to understand what true friendship, being a team player and being a leader means...what being a ringmaster truly means.
The book covers the period from 1940-1946 and is divided into four sections denoting the four seasons, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Summer denotes the promise of adventure which Michel has embarked on, Autumn the trials and troubles the troupe face as the Nazi invasion spreads in the country, Winter the bleakest moments of Michel's life when he thinks he has lost everything and everyone and Spring which once again brings promise and hope back into Michel's life. Michel is 20 years old at the start of the book and is 28 by the end of it and he not only grows in age but as a person as well. From being shy and timid at the beginning of the book, he grows into a confident and brave man--a person who, when the moment calls, is ready to become the leader and protector of the small community of people he considers family.
This book is a story with WWII as a backdrop. It's a story about a group of entertainers who, despite carrying their own personal tragic baggage with them, dealing with lack of proper resources and trying to escape constant danger, work tirelessly as a team to bring a smile, some entertainment and some normalcy to people living amidst the bleakest moment in time. I am still in two minds about the ending though...
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Carly Schabowski for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: 3.5*
July 7, 2020
This story starts in 1940 in Paris.
As the WW2 rages and threatens the capital of France, Michel flees and joins the Le Cirque Neumann.
There he finds refuge, friends, trouble, and love. We follow not just his story but also the story of his friend Bertrand, whom he left behind in Paris, and all the other colorful characters Michel meets in the circus.
This is a historical novel written in the hard and dark times of war filled with heartache, hardship but above all hope. I love that in the end, this was a book that left me with feeling satisfied after reading it. I liked that it has a happy end. It is also a story that focuses more on the characters' journies and what they are going through. I like that war is not the main topic of this novel.
I didn't understand switching narration from third to first-person towards the end. My personal choice would maybe be that first-person narration was from the beginning.
The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful.
I would rate this book somewhere between three and four stars.
3,5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
As the WW2 rages and threatens the capital of France, Michel flees and joins the Le Cirque Neumann.
There he finds refuge, friends, trouble, and love. We follow not just his story but also the story of his friend Bertrand, whom he left behind in Paris, and all the other colorful characters Michel meets in the circus.
This is a historical novel written in the hard and dark times of war filled with heartache, hardship but above all hope. I love that in the end, this was a book that left me with feeling satisfied after reading it. I liked that it has a happy end. It is also a story that focuses more on the characters' journies and what they are going through. I like that war is not the main topic of this novel.
I didn't understand switching narration from third to first-person towards the end. My personal choice would maybe be that first-person narration was from the beginning.
The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful.
I would rate this book somewhere between three and four stars.
3,5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2020
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly Schabowski’s debut novel and what a powerful and intriguing yarn she spins. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this is an immersive and thoroughly captivating historical epic. It's summer 1940 and Paris is about to be subjected to a brutal onslaught by the Nazis who are seeking to occupy it. The city is in utter chaos and its residents are terrified of the evil that lurks just around the corner. Many citizens are actively searching for places to stay safe and out of sight; after all, some quick and smart thinking could end up saving your life. We are introduced to a young French man named Michel Bonnet who scarpers from Paris before the arrival of Hitler’s comrades and seeks refuge on a train that turns out to belong to Le Cirque Neumann, a travelling circus troupe. The Ringmaster, Werner Neumann, takes an instant disliking to Michel but after some time he hires Michel to train the circus’s horses. He is told to keep away and not converse with the other circus performers and although he tries to do as told Frieda, the stunning trapeze artist, catches his attention. But is this a chance worth taking for love?
This is a rich tapestry of elements that each come together to create a delightful work of historical fiction. You'd be forgiven for thinking this is a book about World War II but the WWII backdrop is merely incidental and doesn't play a large a part in the plot as you may initially believe. Michel is a timid, complex character who it is easy to relate to and to admire and his increasing feelings for Frieda simply can't be ignored despite the repeated warnings not to speak to the other members of the troupe. It's a gripping read as the mysterious nature of the circus and Neumann’s warnings creates a tension which builds over the course of the novel. I personally would've liked more of the story to talk about the circus and its performers but that's because when it was mentioned it felt magical, whimsical and the perfect escape from our real-world issues for a few hours. An unusual, compelling and entertaining tale from a new name in the literary game. She's certainly a writer to watch and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for her next offering. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
This is a rich tapestry of elements that each come together to create a delightful work of historical fiction. You'd be forgiven for thinking this is a book about World War II but the WWII backdrop is merely incidental and doesn't play a large a part in the plot as you may initially believe. Michel is a timid, complex character who it is easy to relate to and to admire and his increasing feelings for Frieda simply can't be ignored despite the repeated warnings not to speak to the other members of the troupe. It's a gripping read as the mysterious nature of the circus and Neumann’s warnings creates a tension which builds over the course of the novel. I personally would've liked more of the story to talk about the circus and its performers but that's because when it was mentioned it felt magical, whimsical and the perfect escape from our real-world issues for a few hours. An unusual, compelling and entertaining tale from a new name in the literary game. She's certainly a writer to watch and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for her next offering. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
December 6, 2021
After having finished this book, I wasn't completely sure where my feelings lay. At times I found the story quite lovely and at other times I found there was little plot progression. The plot is reminiscent of Water for Elephants and maybe that was taking away from the originality of the plot for me. This book as a whole, however, had a lot of up and down moments and failed to have me on its grip most of the time. It was a nice read, but maybe I was expecting more and was somehow let down.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange of an honest review.
July 11, 2020
i love all things circus in books - i think its such a fun atmosphere for a story - so its absolutely heartbreaking that i couldnt love this story more.
i have been trying to think of what it was that prevented me from giving this 5 stars and i think its just a bunch of little things. the writing feels a bit disjointed at times with irregular pacing, there are so many characters thats its difficult to form meaningful connections with all of them, there isnt enough circus, but there also isnt enough WWII, and i didnt really feel the romance.
this not a terrible book my by any means - there were just many little things that added up to a lesser reading experience for me personally.
thank you bookouture for the ARC!
↠ 3 stars
i have been trying to think of what it was that prevented me from giving this 5 stars and i think its just a bunch of little things. the writing feels a bit disjointed at times with irregular pacing, there are so many characters thats its difficult to form meaningful connections with all of them, there isnt enough circus, but there also isnt enough WWII, and i didnt really feel the romance.
this not a terrible book my by any means - there were just many little things that added up to a lesser reading experience for me personally.
thank you bookouture for the ARC!
↠ 3 stars
January 2, 2022
The Ringmaster’s Daughter was a perfect New Years weekend tale .. to me, the bonus of reading fictional history is that it’s an opportunity to learn something new. As I was born in 1943, I, too, grew up with stories shared by my family members that immigrated from Europe.
I personally adore the circus .. this novel was filled with rich detail, I sometimes felt like I was in the audience, under the ring top!
The colorful characters, human & animals alike, crawled into my heart! Oh how I was cheering for a happy love story to grow out of this wild journey that took me throughput France & ultimately America.
Brava, talented author Carly Schabowski!
I personally adore the circus .. this novel was filled with rich detail, I sometimes felt like I was in the audience, under the ring top!
The colorful characters, human & animals alike, crawled into my heart! Oh how I was cheering for a happy love story to grow out of this wild journey that took me throughput France & ultimately America.
Brava, talented author Carly Schabowski!
June 29, 2020
The Ringmaster's Daughter by Carly Schabowski is a warmly-written WWII tale centering on Michel Bonnet, a young, driftless but kind Parisian who finds himself attached to a struggling circus as their horse handler. As Michel finds his place among the secretive and odd group of performers and outcasts, the circus stays just ahead of the Nazi invasion of France - until it doesn't.
I enjoyed this book. There was a little romance, a little intrigue, a little history and a little darkness. The author did a great job of fleshing out the main characters while surrounding them with a full stable of interesting sub-characters. The plotting was well-paced and complex enough to challenge the reader. That said, it was a fairly quick read, but one that kept my attention.
My only complain came at the end, as the author switched from the third-person to first-person voice, which i thought was unnecessarily jarring and skipped over large chunks of time. It felt like she'd run out of energy, like she wanted to arbitrarily extend the storyline out a few more years without putting out a lot of words or effort. The conclusion itself was satisfying, if a wee bit tired, but the change of pacing was disappointing and left me with a less-than-great-ending feeling.
This review is based on an advance copy read.
I enjoyed this book. There was a little romance, a little intrigue, a little history and a little darkness. The author did a great job of fleshing out the main characters while surrounding them with a full stable of interesting sub-characters. The plotting was well-paced and complex enough to challenge the reader. That said, it was a fairly quick read, but one that kept my attention.
My only complain came at the end, as the author switched from the third-person to first-person voice, which i thought was unnecessarily jarring and skipped over large chunks of time. It felt like she'd run out of energy, like she wanted to arbitrarily extend the storyline out a few more years without putting out a lot of words or effort. The conclusion itself was satisfying, if a wee bit tired, but the change of pacing was disappointing and left me with a less-than-great-ending feeling.
This review is based on an advance copy read.
June 1, 2020
Maybe 2.5 but honestly this was a disappointment. I came here for a circus, full of magic and wonderment. I didn't really ever get that. There was minimal world-building as far as the circus itself went. The historical part of it didn't feel fleshed out well. The MC was unlikable as a whole and the side characters who were much more intriguing just did not get enough page time.
Also,
** I was provided and ARC for this through Netgalley for my honest opinion.**
Also,
** I was provided and ARC for this through Netgalley for my honest opinion.**
July 10, 2020
Show me a child who has never dreamed of running away to the circus! Maybe this is why I always feel drawn to books with circus settings, and the combination of a WWII story and a travelling circus immediately got my attention.
Michel is a young man living in Paris in 1940 working as a horsetrainer when the imminent invasion of the city by Nazi troops tilts his world upside down. After losing his job, and persuaded by his best friend and mentor to leave the city, he finds himself a stowaway on a train transporting a travelling circus.
From here on, Michel’s life becomes very much enmeshed with that of the various circus performers as the war slowly closes in on them. Based on a true story, the premise quickly drew me in and I enjoyed the cast of colourful circus characters who soon become Michel’s companions and friends. However, to be totally honest, as the story progressed I found myself wanting more: more circus atmosphere, more tension, more emotion. There is a little hint of all of this, but it never fully came to fruition for me. I wanted the sights, the sounds and the smells of the circus but only got little glimpses of these. It also didn’t help that the title gives away one of the major mysteries the book revolves around, and once you start reading you will see what I mean. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to rating this book any higher was my lack of emotional involvement, even though I found the story pleasant enough reading. Pleasant, but just lacking that special something that would make it stay in my mind for any longer than after the last page had been turned.
All in all, THE RINGMASTER’S DAUGHTER will appeal to readers who are looking for a lighter WWII read that contains a little bit of everything: a bit of romance, a bit of tragedy, a tiny bit of mystery all wrapped in a circus setting. Those readers looking for a deeper, more hard hitting story delving into the psyche of a diverse group of refugees and societal misfits banded together in the troupe of a travelling circus during wartime may find the story lacking in depth, and being fairly predictable. However, it made for good escapist reading, so may be just the right choice for these troubled times.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
Michel is a young man living in Paris in 1940 working as a horsetrainer when the imminent invasion of the city by Nazi troops tilts his world upside down. After losing his job, and persuaded by his best friend and mentor to leave the city, he finds himself a stowaway on a train transporting a travelling circus.
From here on, Michel’s life becomes very much enmeshed with that of the various circus performers as the war slowly closes in on them. Based on a true story, the premise quickly drew me in and I enjoyed the cast of colourful circus characters who soon become Michel’s companions and friends. However, to be totally honest, as the story progressed I found myself wanting more: more circus atmosphere, more tension, more emotion. There is a little hint of all of this, but it never fully came to fruition for me. I wanted the sights, the sounds and the smells of the circus but only got little glimpses of these. It also didn’t help that the title gives away one of the major mysteries the book revolves around, and once you start reading you will see what I mean. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to rating this book any higher was my lack of emotional involvement, even though I found the story pleasant enough reading. Pleasant, but just lacking that special something that would make it stay in my mind for any longer than after the last page had been turned.
All in all, THE RINGMASTER’S DAUGHTER will appeal to readers who are looking for a lighter WWII read that contains a little bit of everything: a bit of romance, a bit of tragedy, a tiny bit of mystery all wrapped in a circus setting. Those readers looking for a deeper, more hard hitting story delving into the psyche of a diverse group of refugees and societal misfits banded together in the troupe of a travelling circus during wartime may find the story lacking in depth, and being fairly predictable. However, it made for good escapist reading, so may be just the right choice for these troubled times.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
June 23, 2020
Paris, 1940. Twenty-year-old Michel Bonnet lives on the edge of the law, finding work where he can breaking in horses on the outskirts of the city. But when the Nazis invade, Michel takes refuge as a stowaway on a rickety train bound for the rural south.
The train is property of Le Cirque Neumann – a travelling circus owned by the troubled and irritable showman Werner Neumann. Neumann offers Michel a job caring for the company’s horses – a lucky break, but with an unusual condition attached. Michel must keep to himself.
But as Michel finds himself pulled into the wondrous world of the great spectacular it becomes more difficult to keep his promise. How can Michel win the love of the beautiful and exotic trapeze artist Freida, when he’s been forbidden to even meet her gaze?
I was immediately drawn to this book because of its cover and also since I love history, especially stories relating to World War II, I couldn't stop myself getting attracted to this book.
While this book does have a cast of interesting characters and a few magical moments, I just couldn't get myself enchanted because there were parts in the book where,I felt the pace of the story slowed down a bit too much.
Also, I genuinely feel that the author should have thought of another title for the book because it literally spoils one of the main surprises in the book.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book, I wouldn't mind recommending it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
The train is property of Le Cirque Neumann – a travelling circus owned by the troubled and irritable showman Werner Neumann. Neumann offers Michel a job caring for the company’s horses – a lucky break, but with an unusual condition attached. Michel must keep to himself.
But as Michel finds himself pulled into the wondrous world of the great spectacular it becomes more difficult to keep his promise. How can Michel win the love of the beautiful and exotic trapeze artist Freida, when he’s been forbidden to even meet her gaze?
I was immediately drawn to this book because of its cover and also since I love history, especially stories relating to World War II, I couldn't stop myself getting attracted to this book.
While this book does have a cast of interesting characters and a few magical moments, I just couldn't get myself enchanted because there were parts in the book where,I felt the pace of the story slowed down a bit too much.
Also, I genuinely feel that the author should have thought of another title for the book because it literally spoils one of the main surprises in the book.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book, I wouldn't mind recommending it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
May 30, 2022
I do enjoy historical fiction so this was a good adventure. I suppose I just wanted more from it.
June 18, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc of The Ring masters daughter by Carly Schabowski❤️
This is set in Paris in 1940's, World War 2 is going on and rages Paris, a man named Michel runs away and he joins up with the Le Cirque Neumann, he ends up finding love, refuge, friends And even trouble unfortunately....
Also tells the story of his friend Bertram in whom he left back in France.. and about other characters in whom he meets within the circus.
This is a historical fiction novel based on wartime and hard ships within war time.
This was a sensational and gripping novel and I really enjoyed it so well done Carly for such a great novel!!
Definitely recommend
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is set in Paris in 1940's, World War 2 is going on and rages Paris, a man named Michel runs away and he joins up with the Le Cirque Neumann, he ends up finding love, refuge, friends And even trouble unfortunately....
Also tells the story of his friend Bertram in whom he left back in France.. and about other characters in whom he meets within the circus.
This is a historical fiction novel based on wartime and hard ships within war time.
This was a sensational and gripping novel and I really enjoyed it so well done Carly for such a great novel!!
Definitely recommend
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 18, 2020
I was a bit disappointed by The Ringmaster’s Daughter. It started promising. I liked the first chapters set in Paris, and then when Michel leaves and joins the circus. Then something shifted strangely, and it quickly started to bore me.
The story itself wasn’t anything new, it follows more or less the same plot as so many other books.
The writing style didn’t flow, it felt very stiff and that may be part of why I wanted to stop reading. I liked the characters though, they were interesting and that was what mainly kept me continue.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t a good book either.
The eARC of this book was given in exchange of an honest review
The story itself wasn’t anything new, it follows more or less the same plot as so many other books.
The writing style didn’t flow, it felt very stiff and that may be part of why I wanted to stop reading. I liked the characters though, they were interesting and that was what mainly kept me continue.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t a good book either.
The eARC of this book was given in exchange of an honest review
July 8, 2020
I love everything about the circus themed. It was fun and I feel like I was there watching them but this only happened at the end lol. I liked Jean, Giordano, Freida and etc lol but there are too many characters that I can't remember 😂
My favorite part was when I learn bout the circus troupe stories. It was pretty sad.
The Ringmaster's Daughter. The title does not sound right. We only found out who is the ringmaster's daughter around 55 to 60% of the book because Michel is pretty dumb lol
Thank you Netgalley for The Ringmaster's Daughter ARC!
🌟🌟🌟.5
My favorite part was when I learn bout the circus troupe stories. It was pretty sad.
The Ringmaster's Daughter. The title does not sound right. We only found out who is the ringmaster's daughter around 55 to 60% of the book because Michel is pretty dumb lol
Thank you Netgalley for The Ringmaster's Daughter ARC!
🌟🌟🌟.5
July 8, 2020
3.5 stars
Who could resist that gorgeous cover, and the lure of a circus setting in war time Paris. Not me.
Thanks to Bookoture for allowing me to join the blog tour for The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski.
First Line of The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski
“The streets of Paris wound their way around Michel Bonnet as he walked to his small apartment in the 14th arrondissement.”
My Thoughts on The Ringmaster’s Daughter:
I thought this was such a unique mixture of settings – Paris, World War 2, forbidden love and the circus – and it all added up to a very magical read.
Michel at the start of book is young, impulsive, and a bit naive. I loved his growth during the book, as when tough times hit he grew up fast. France during WW2 was full of atrocities, but the friendship and bravery that lurked around every corner, made this book an uplifting and emotional read.
And the forbidden love angle sucked me right in. I read anxiously with dread in my heart as they are a couple that I was rooting for from their very first meeting. I actually felt like that about so many of the characters, they are misfits, and I love how they all came together and were each others family.
This is a book that I read with my heart and I felt all the emotions as I read it. There is just something about love and war that makes for a timeless theme, and the circus element just adds so much originality, and that little bit of magic.
There were a couple of things that niggled me though. The title is a huge spoiler, and in my opinion I’d rather have found this out organically as I read. And there was a change from third person to first person perspective towards the end of the book. I found this a bit jarring, and I don’t understand the need for it.
Overall though I thought this was a good read and despite my niggles I did thoroughly enjoy it.
Who should read The Ringmaster’s Daughter?
I’d recommend this to you if you like WW2 settings, emotional reads and books about forbidden love.
Who could resist that gorgeous cover, and the lure of a circus setting in war time Paris. Not me.
Thanks to Bookoture for allowing me to join the blog tour for The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski.
First Line of The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski
“The streets of Paris wound their way around Michel Bonnet as he walked to his small apartment in the 14th arrondissement.”
My Thoughts on The Ringmaster’s Daughter:
I thought this was such a unique mixture of settings – Paris, World War 2, forbidden love and the circus – and it all added up to a very magical read.
Michel at the start of book is young, impulsive, and a bit naive. I loved his growth during the book, as when tough times hit he grew up fast. France during WW2 was full of atrocities, but the friendship and bravery that lurked around every corner, made this book an uplifting and emotional read.
And the forbidden love angle sucked me right in. I read anxiously with dread in my heart as they are a couple that I was rooting for from their very first meeting. I actually felt like that about so many of the characters, they are misfits, and I love how they all came together and were each others family.
This is a book that I read with my heart and I felt all the emotions as I read it. There is just something about love and war that makes for a timeless theme, and the circus element just adds so much originality, and that little bit of magic.
There were a couple of things that niggled me though. The title is a huge spoiler, and in my opinion I’d rather have found this out organically as I read. And there was a change from third person to first person perspective towards the end of the book. I found this a bit jarring, and I don’t understand the need for it.
Overall though I thought this was a good read and despite my niggles I did thoroughly enjoy it.
Who should read The Ringmaster’s Daughter?
I’d recommend this to you if you like WW2 settings, emotional reads and books about forbidden love.
January 11, 2024
you're telling me i read an entire circus-themed book, only to discover the author has never been to a circus?
that... explains a lot, actually.
i think the premise is interesting, but the plot gets lost in a cast of too many characters. plus, the primary conflict of the story changes every few chapters, which made my head spin (and not in a fun circus-type of way). the romance is so forced it's comical ("oh, you slept with my fellow performer multiple times? that's okay! i know you didn't really love her!" like, what?), and the historical part of this historical fiction tale is practically nonexistent.
however, i chugged through (pun intended), until the last section, where the author decided to 1) randomly switch from 3rd-person to 1st-person pov, and 2) present a plot twist so staggeringly unexplained that it ruined the ending for me.
ah, well. at least the cover's pretty.
2 stars
that... explains a lot, actually.
i think the premise is interesting, but the plot gets lost in a cast of too many characters. plus, the primary conflict of the story changes every few chapters, which made my head spin (and not in a fun circus-type of way). the romance is so forced it's comical ("oh, you slept with my fellow performer multiple times? that's okay! i know you didn't really love her!" like, what?), and the historical part of this historical fiction tale is practically nonexistent.
however, i chugged through (pun intended), until the last section, where the author decided to 1) randomly switch from 3rd-person to 1st-person pov, and 2) present a plot twist so staggeringly unexplained that it ruined the ending for me.
ah, well. at least the cover's pretty.
2 stars
June 13, 2020
As a kid, I loved the circus! I especially loved the animals. I’ve often wondered how the circus people lived and worked.
This book has answered my most of my questions.
Well, after reading this book and seeing the movie I was reminded once again of my love for the circus.
I felt that it had lots to offer and I learned quite a bit about circus life.
I really enjoyed this book but I didn’t really like the Nazi’s at all! They were evil people who wanted to take over everything!
There were places in this book that just about broke my heart and there were others that made me smile.
I especially enjoyed the characters in the book and I felt the author described the places in the story so well that I was transported back to the circus.
I finished this book in a couple of hours because I couldn’t put it down.
Yes, I feel that it’s a bit slow but to me, it’s worth the read.
I recommend this book and I feel that you will enjoy it just like I did!
My thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are mine
#TheRingmastersDaughter #Netgalley
This book has answered my most of my questions.
Well, after reading this book and seeing the movie I was reminded once again of my love for the circus.
I felt that it had lots to offer and I learned quite a bit about circus life.
I really enjoyed this book but I didn’t really like the Nazi’s at all! They were evil people who wanted to take over everything!
There were places in this book that just about broke my heart and there were others that made me smile.
I especially enjoyed the characters in the book and I felt the author described the places in the story so well that I was transported back to the circus.
I finished this book in a couple of hours because I couldn’t put it down.
Yes, I feel that it’s a bit slow but to me, it’s worth the read.
I recommend this book and I feel that you will enjoy it just like I did!
My thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are mine
#TheRingmastersDaughter #Netgalley
July 8, 2020
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.
July 1, 2020
It is 1940 on the eve of the Nazi troops arriving in Paris. 20-year old Michel lives alone in the apartment he once resided in with his now deceased mother. His neighbor convinces Michel to board a train to escape Paris. The train Michel stows away on happens to belong to small circus troupe. The circus is run by the ringmaster, Werner. Werner agrees to allow Michel to temporarily tag along working as a horse trainer, as long as Michel keeps to himself and doesn't talk to the circus performers. Michel finds himself drawn to Freida, the beautiful trapeze artist.
This book was a slow burn. We are pulled into this traveling band of outcasts slowly working their way across France under the shadow of the Nazis. We meet the various members of the circus troupe. None of the characters are developed very deeply and I didn't get that circus atmosphere felling as much as I'd hoped. The title of the book threw me off a little and was a bit of a spoiler. We don't learn who the titular character is until about 60% of the way through the book. This is the point where the action also picks up.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans particularly those that involve a circus or carnival.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a slow burn. We are pulled into this traveling band of outcasts slowly working their way across France under the shadow of the Nazis. We meet the various members of the circus troupe. None of the characters are developed very deeply and I didn't get that circus atmosphere felling as much as I'd hoped. The title of the book threw me off a little and was a bit of a spoiler. We don't learn who the titular character is until about 60% of the way through the book. This is the point where the action also picks up.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans particularly those that involve a circus or carnival.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
WWII and the Circus are two of my absolute favorite things to read about. Admittedly I read an absurd amount about these subjects but there is no shame in my game! The Ringmaster's Daughter perfectly combines them in a quiet and melancholic story of love and friendship in the face of war. Set in France right at the beginning of the German occupation, we meet Michel a young Parisian man seeking to find his place in this new time of uncertainty. With some luck and help from a generous friend he escapes the city by stowing away on what turns out to be a circus train and his story begins.
I'll admit, as much as I was excited about this book, the first half of it was pretty slow and didn't capture me as much as I expected it to. However, around the midway point something changed for me and I was all in. At this point the story started snowballing and before I knew it it was over and I was left wanting more. A great read based on true events, this book is perfect for fans of Sara Gruen and Pam Jenoff.
I'll admit, as much as I was excited about this book, the first half of it was pretty slow and didn't capture me as much as I expected it to. However, around the midway point something changed for me and I was all in. At this point the story started snowballing and before I knew it it was over and I was left wanting more. A great read based on true events, this book is perfect for fans of Sara Gruen and Pam Jenoff.
July 23, 2020
Paris in the 1940s. A rather frightening place to be especially for those who were "slightly different" even a wee bit. Hitler was on the rise, approaching Paris and anyone who wanted to flee had to do it now.
Michel takes refuge as a stowaway on a train housing a circus of all things and when discovered, with his aptitude for being a horse whisperer he is taken on to train a particularly skittish beauty and then tolerated by Werner the owner of the circus, despite his always taking a crack at Michel for no apparent reason.
Going further on the journey, we see that many of the performers hide secrets that they are terrified to reveal - past Resistance, Jews, Roma all enemies of Hitler. They are all fearful for their lives and this story takes on the vista of people on the run fleeing from one small village to another gradually losing their performers who either leave or are taken away by the German Army till finally Michel and Frieda the ringmaster's daughter both flee for America.
A story of a family because the circus becomes their family in the absence of any, and how people survive. A story of loss and sadness but also hope always for something better tomorrow.
Michel takes refuge as a stowaway on a train housing a circus of all things and when discovered, with his aptitude for being a horse whisperer he is taken on to train a particularly skittish beauty and then tolerated by Werner the owner of the circus, despite his always taking a crack at Michel for no apparent reason.
Going further on the journey, we see that many of the performers hide secrets that they are terrified to reveal - past Resistance, Jews, Roma all enemies of Hitler. They are all fearful for their lives and this story takes on the vista of people on the run fleeing from one small village to another gradually losing their performers who either leave or are taken away by the German Army till finally Michel and Frieda the ringmaster's daughter both flee for America.
A story of a family because the circus becomes their family in the absence of any, and how people survive. A story of loss and sadness but also hope always for something better tomorrow.
June 23, 2020
'The Ringmaster's Daughter' had a lovely premise and huge potential but the writing always felt superficial. Emotions were told, not shown; we spent the entire novel following Michel but never got a proper glimpse inside his head. The characters all felt flat and two-dimensional. The plot was good, but one of the main twists was ruined by the title of the book - the other was excellent, and whilst the ending was predictable I liked it. This is by no means a bad book, but I wanted it to make me feel more.
The book is set in 1940s France. Michel has lived almost his entire life in Paris, save for some summers with family in the countryside, but now the Germans have invaded and Paris is unsafe. With the aid of his friend Bertrand, he manages to escape - stowing away on a train which happens to contain a circus troupe. After a rocky start, Michel finds himself hired to look after the circus horses - but there are no safe places to be in occupied France, and friction within the circus keeps mounting.
Michel is neither a likeable nor unlikeable character - not enough of him is shown to form any real opinion. I liked his obvious love of animals, but he always seemed very slow. The other members of the circus - Jean-Jacques, Giordiano, Serge, Odelie - were never fully explored, although they all had interesting backstories when they were revealed. Frieda, the titular character, was a caricature of a love interest - beautiful, with essentially no flaws, and hidden away by an overbearing father. Their romance was sweet but too much of an insta-love for my liking, with Michel deciding he was in love after all of two meetings. This may have worked better with less of a focus on the romance and more of a focus on the circus and its inhabitants during the war - a storyline with a huge amount of potential.
The ending was the best part of this - it was cliche, but in war novels especially it's nice to have a happy ever after, and it didn't quite go the way that I expected. I liked the direction Carly Schabowski chose to go, and appreciated that it didn't end well for everyone - not everyone can come out of a war unscathed. However, it would have had more impact if I'd cared more for the characters.
Overall, this is a fine story, but nothing special. It's missing that connection between the readers and the characters essential to get full enjoyment. As quick, mindless entertainment it works - anything deeper than that won't be found here.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an eARC - this in no way affects my rating or the content of this review*
The book is set in 1940s France. Michel has lived almost his entire life in Paris, save for some summers with family in the countryside, but now the Germans have invaded and Paris is unsafe. With the aid of his friend Bertrand, he manages to escape - stowing away on a train which happens to contain a circus troupe. After a rocky start, Michel finds himself hired to look after the circus horses - but there are no safe places to be in occupied France, and friction within the circus keeps mounting.
Michel is neither a likeable nor unlikeable character - not enough of him is shown to form any real opinion. I liked his obvious love of animals, but he always seemed very slow. The other members of the circus - Jean-Jacques, Giordiano, Serge, Odelie - were never fully explored, although they all had interesting backstories when they were revealed. Frieda, the titular character, was a caricature of a love interest - beautiful, with essentially no flaws, and hidden away by an overbearing father. Their romance was sweet but too much of an insta-love for my liking, with Michel deciding he was in love after all of two meetings. This may have worked better with less of a focus on the romance and more of a focus on the circus and its inhabitants during the war - a storyline with a huge amount of potential.
The ending was the best part of this - it was cliche, but in war novels especially it's nice to have a happy ever after, and it didn't quite go the way that I expected. I liked the direction Carly Schabowski chose to go, and appreciated that it didn't end well for everyone - not everyone can come out of a war unscathed. However, it would have had more impact if I'd cared more for the characters.
Overall, this is a fine story, but nothing special. It's missing that connection between the readers and the characters essential to get full enjoyment. As quick, mindless entertainment it works - anything deeper than that won't be found here.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an eARC - this in no way affects my rating or the content of this review*
June 20, 2020
I love this gorgeous cover! This is a love story set during WW2 and amid the backdrop of a circus. It has a cast of interesting characters each trying to survive during a troubling time. I enjoyed the story
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
December 21, 2021
Based on a true story, there is not really much to this tale of a band of misfits trying their best to escape the Nazis. The characters are descriptive but seemed to lack something.
June 1, 2020
Past the halfway point, there's a big reveal that Freida is the Ringmaster's daughter, not his wife. Of course, as a reader that read the title of this book before reading it, I was already aware of this. It's an odd feeling for the main character to not know what you know, and the effect would have been better if the "reveal" wasn't given away in the title.
I liked the circus characters in general. The giant and dwarf were my favorites and honestly, I kept reading because of them. Michel, our main character, isn't all that likable. He's not all that unlikable either though. In fact, I didn't really care about him at all the majority of the book and really wanted to know more about the other characters. If you are reading this to get transported to a circus, that's not going to happen until around 75%. The pacing was a bit off as well, with super long chapters and so much not happening the first 75% and the bulk of the book happening in the last 25%.
I did really like learning about Werner, Henri, and the other circus members stories. In fact that was my favorite part of the book - that these gay men, Jews, and other people banded together for protection. I think I fell a little in love with Henri as well.
I didn't think the two main characters had very much chemistry, and even though you knew throughout the book that the romance would happen, I wasn't invested in it at all. I was super annoyed by the ending, but I've taken a few days, and I'm less salty about it now. I am giving this one 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Net Galley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the circus characters in general. The giant and dwarf were my favorites and honestly, I kept reading because of them. Michel, our main character, isn't all that likable. He's not all that unlikable either though. In fact, I didn't really care about him at all the majority of the book and really wanted to know more about the other characters. If you are reading this to get transported to a circus, that's not going to happen until around 75%. The pacing was a bit off as well, with super long chapters and so much not happening the first 75% and the bulk of the book happening in the last 25%.
I did really like learning about Werner, Henri, and the other circus members stories. In fact that was my favorite part of the book - that these gay men, Jews, and other people banded together for protection. I think I fell a little in love with Henri as well.
I didn't think the two main characters had very much chemistry, and even though you knew throughout the book that the romance would happen, I wasn't invested in it at all. I was super annoyed by the ending, but I've taken a few days, and I'm less salty about it now. I am giving this one 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Net Galley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2020
The Ringmaster's Daughter was a true delight to read. From the very first page, the writing was absolutely gorgeous and painted such a beautiful picture with its imagery:
“Small boats sluggishly cut a path through the water, as if it has thickened to soup”
Even the minor characters were so full of life! They all felt like real people...sometimes more than Michel himself. Once he joins up with the circus there are a great number or characters that keep track of. Again, given how well fleshed out most of them are it was surprisingly easy to keep track of them, but there were a couple (Felix and Hugo) that took me a few appearances before I remembered who they were. It might’ve gone better if so many characters weren’t introduced all at once.
I am a sucker for anything French-related. I LOVED that many chapters has French names (given that I could read them, especially - I can see why someone who doesn’t know French might not like that so much). And all the little touches throughout made it feel so genuine, like this quote:
“Camembert so ripe it was one day away from being inedible - the perfect age.” - YES YES YES. This is so real it made me laugh out loud.
I felt the progression of Michel’s relationship with Freida went from 0 to 100 in a short period of time. I enjoy a slower ramp up so I'm more invested in the culmination - this felt just a little too unbelievable (e.g. going from not talking to calling each other darling). It also may be that it just makes me uncomfortable to read pet names, ha. Maybe I would’ve preferred if they called each other pet names in French?
The switch in POV from third person to first person in the last few chapters didn’t bother me at all, it felt quite natural as he was wrapping up his story to do it in his own words. I teared up at the end - I do love a happy ending!!
This book had intrigue, lovingly designed characters, a fresh take on a very well known historical period, and most of all, the perfect pinch of magic :).
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
“Small boats sluggishly cut a path through the water, as if it has thickened to soup”
Even the minor characters were so full of life! They all felt like real people...sometimes more than Michel himself. Once he joins up with the circus there are a great number or characters that keep track of. Again, given how well fleshed out most of them are it was surprisingly easy to keep track of them, but there were a couple (Felix and Hugo) that took me a few appearances before I remembered who they were. It might’ve gone better if so many characters weren’t introduced all at once.
I am a sucker for anything French-related. I LOVED that many chapters has French names (given that I could read them, especially - I can see why someone who doesn’t know French might not like that so much). And all the little touches throughout made it feel so genuine, like this quote:
“Camembert so ripe it was one day away from being inedible - the perfect age.” - YES YES YES. This is so real it made me laugh out loud.
I felt the progression of Michel’s relationship with Freida went from 0 to 100 in a short period of time. I enjoy a slower ramp up so I'm more invested in the culmination - this felt just a little too unbelievable (e.g. going from not talking to calling each other darling). It also may be that it just makes me uncomfortable to read pet names, ha. Maybe I would’ve preferred if they called each other pet names in French?
The switch in POV from third person to first person in the last few chapters didn’t bother me at all, it felt quite natural as he was wrapping up his story to do it in his own words. I teared up at the end - I do love a happy ending!!
This book had intrigue, lovingly designed characters, a fresh take on a very well known historical period, and most of all, the perfect pinch of magic :).
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
May 23, 2020
France 1940, Michel's Bonnet's life is about to change when the germans are trying to take over France( Also are very successful). A very close like family member helps him escape away from Paris. Michel bonnet ends up with a circus that is very unusual and its destination constantly changes.
( obviously depending on the circumstance) The question is why is everyone so secretive about their history? Their destinations are need to know bases, basically everything is. Michel ends up getting a job training horses for the circus. Also suddenly people start walking off and dissapering all of a sudden. Soon they have to Acknowledge from some very rude Nazi's you take Paris then its obviously under German Rule you must succumb to Hitlers rule.
I was asked to pick a quote:
'It does not matter who were are, Michel, we are all here and we work together. That is what matters.'
This is when you are starting to learn everyone in the Circus stories and backgrounds and truly what does matter is that they work together.
I also cried at the ending, did a bunch of oh no's and gasps. I don't think I will ever be emotionally read even if it's fiction for a world war two book especially when it involves the life of people where they are mostly likely going to be rounded up and died no matter who they are.
I was provided this ARC by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
( obviously depending on the circumstance) The question is why is everyone so secretive about their history? Their destinations are need to know bases, basically everything is. Michel ends up getting a job training horses for the circus. Also suddenly people start walking off and dissapering all of a sudden. Soon they have to Acknowledge from some very rude Nazi's you take Paris then its obviously under German Rule you must succumb to Hitlers rule.
I was asked to pick a quote:
'It does not matter who were are, Michel, we are all here and we work together. That is what matters.'
This is when you are starting to learn everyone in the Circus stories and backgrounds and truly what does matter is that they work together.
I also cried at the ending, did a bunch of oh no's and gasps. I don't think I will ever be emotionally read even if it's fiction for a world war two book especially when it involves the life of people where they are mostly likely going to be rounded up and died no matter who they are.
I was provided this ARC by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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