The Circus Train

Lena Papadopoulos has never quite found her place within the circus, even as the daughter of the extraordinary headlining illusionist, Theo. Brilliant and curious, Lena yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, despite her father's overprotection and the limits her world places on her because she is disabled. Her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and a mysterious past. Over several years, as their friendship flourishes and Alexandre trains as the illusionist's apprentice, the Second World War escalates around them. When Theo and Alexandre are contracted to work and perform in a model town for Jews set up by the Nazis, Lena becomes separated from everything she knows. Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible herself. (From HarperCollins Canada)

The Circus Trainis available in March 2022.

• 66 works of Canadian fiction to watch for in spring 2022

Amita Parikh is a writer from Toronto. She works in the tech industryand produces and hosts a podcast dedicated to women in sports.The Circus Trainis her first novel.