Location: Europe Type: Physical Book
Timeline: N/A Genre: Historical fiction - WWII
Narration: N/A
Review:
Stars: 4
The Circus Train was a beautiful story of life continuing as normal (as possible) while WWII was erupting around them. The novel addresses diversity, challenges, family dynamics and so much more. It is a larger book and my not be a fast read for most. But the story is so worth the time it takes to read it. It was beautifully written, brings emotions to the surface, and makes you question what love really is.
Sex:
N/A
Language:
N/A
Triggers:
Polio
Parent death
Questions:
In the beginning Lena asks an interesting question to start the story:
"Lena shook her head, wondering at what point adults forgot what it was like to be young."
How would you answer that?
Do you think this question foreshadows what will happen throughout the novel?
In chapter 3 Lena is working with and learning from Dr. Wilson. From studying different science disciplines Lena concluded that magic is just science that common people do not understand. She also states that medicine is a sort of magic.
Do you think dall "magic" can be explained through science?
Is medicine "all science", "all magic" or a mixture of both?
In chapter 11 we are introduced to the old lady, Atelpha. She reveals that she seems to know something about Theo that he doesn't want released.
What do you think his secret is with only the knowledge you have up to this point in the book?
Do you think Theo is too over-protective of Lena? How do you decide how much to let go as a parent?
When Theo finds Lena asleep with Alexandre and then finds out they snuck out on the town and drank alcohol, Theo decides to fire Clara and ban Lena from seeing Alexandre.
Do you think Theo's reaction is justified or did Theo over react?
When Clara leaves the circus she writes letters to Lena. At the end of one of her letters Clara writes the following:
"I know everything feels a bit hopeless right now, but don't lose faith. Your greatest achievements often grow out of the worst circumstances."
Do you agree with that statement?
Why or why not?
In chapter 22 we find out about Alexandre's past.
Do you think Alexandre was justified in killing his father?
Do you think Alexandre should be punished for stealing the objects or is he innocent in your eyes because he is trying to return everything?
Do you think Lena's anger about the deal between Theo and Alexandre is rightly projected (toward both parties)?
Why do you think Alexandre never told Lena about the deal?
At the end of part 1, Theo and Alexandre were presumed dead for a month yet Lena could not stop believing they were still alive.
How long is a reasonable time to believe this?
At this point in the story, did you believe Theo and Alexandre dead or alive?
At the beginning of part 2 we find out Theo and Alexandre are indeed alive. But Lena is still unaware of that fact.
Do you think Lena would prefer to think them dead or think of them going through the attrocities of living in one of the ghettos?
Is it better for them to be alive and suffering or dead and at peace?
Theo and ALexandre were lead to the ghetto under the pretense of a contract for their entertainment. It doesn't take too long for them to figure there is no contract and that they are under the mercy of the SS.
Knowing the brutality the SS used on a normal basis, why do you think Theo and Alexandre were tricked by a contract instead of just strong-handedly forced like everyone else?
While in the ghetto, Alexandre meets a young lady named Leike.
Do you think their releationship is fair to Lena?
Do you think Alexandre is playing both girls or is it a means of survival for him?
Who do you think his heart truly belongs to?
In chapter 36 Lena is adopted by Clara and Fitz. Hse is asked what she wants her name to be. After deep thought she ended up with Itelena Calista Papdopoulas Thomas. THat way she gets a new, fresh start as well as keeps her father with her.
What are your thoughts on her decision?
Would you make th same decision or a different one?
Do you think Theo would be ok with her decision?
How would Theo feel if she completely dropped his name?
At the beginning of part 3 there is an unnamed man searching for Lena.
Who did you assume this was?
Lena's dream is to become a physician but she has received only rejection letters for two years.
Have you ever received rejection like this?
If so, what did you do?
Do you think Lena should give up and be a teacher, try for med school again, or a mixture of the two?
Lena is reunited with Alexandre and Theo while she was visiting the medical school she got into. While talking with Theo, Lena is told that Theo is not her father. What a blow after just finding out he was alive.
Would it be better for Lena to never know Theo was alive still?
Or for her to find out this news and mourn again?
What makes a father a father?
Should the news of Theo being Lena's biological uncle change her feelings toward him?
Does the lie/deception out-weigh him raising her and being a father figure?
Theo was against Lena receiving an education outside of the circus. It seemed unfair and unreasonable.
After reading chapter 46 we find out the real reason Theo did not want her to go to boarding school.
Are his actions more understandable now?
Do you agree with Theo (that Lena should not have gone off to school)?
Lena is caught between two men who love her: Alexandre and her fiance, Harry.
Who would you choose for Lena?
Why?
Do you think the chapter, towards the end, about Harry was neccessarry?
Why or why not?
Comentarios