Look for Pam Jenoff’s new novel, The Woman with the Blue Star, an unforgettable story of courage and friendship during wartime.A New York Times bestseller!“Readers who enjoyed Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants will embrace this novel. “ —Library Journal“Secrets, lies, treachery, and passion…. I read this novel in a headlong rush.” —Christina Baker Kline, #1 New … Journal
“Secrets, lies, treachery, and passion…. I read this novel in a headlong rush.” —Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train
A powerful novel of friendship set in a traveling circus during World War II, The Orphan’s Tale introduces two extraordinary women and their harrowing stories of sacrifice and survival.
Sixteen-year-old Noa has been cast out in disgrace after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier and being forced to give up her baby. She lives above a small rail station, which she cleans in order to earn her keep… When Noa discovers a boxcar containing dozens of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp, she is reminded of the child that was taken from her. And in a moment that will change the course of her life, she snatches one of the babies and flees into the snowy night.
Noa finds refuge with a German circus, but she must learn the flying trapeze act so she can blend in undetected, spurning the resentment of the lead aerialist, Astrid. At first rivals, Noa and Astrid soon forge a powerful bond. But as the facade that protects them proves increasingly tenuous, Noa and Astrid must decide whether their friendship is enough to save one another—or if the secrets that burn between them will destroy everything.
Don’t Miss Pam Jenoff’s new novel, The Woman with the Blue Star, a riveting tale of unfathomable sacrifice and unlikely friendship during World War II.
Read these other sweeping epics from New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff.
The Lost Girls of Paris
The Ambassador’s Daughter
The Diplomat’s Wife
The Kommandant’s Girl
The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach
The Winter Guest
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Secrets, lies, treachery, and passion… I read this novel in a headlong rush.
Another winner from author Pam Jenoff! A story from the perspective of two women, The Orphan’s Tale blends historical accuracy of the cruel treatment of the Jews in Nazi Germany, together with the amazing history of a once-grand circus and it’s owners, performers and crew as they struggle to survive. Highly recommended!
I love all of Pam Jenoff’s books. She is an excellent wordsmith and her characters are portrayed so beautifully, with all their flaws and foibles, as well as their strengths and their courage under pressure.
Really wonderful book. Great characters and story based on true life events during WWII.
The characters in this book stayed with me for days. Set during the Nazi horrors of the Holocaust, it provides insight into circus life and human behavior in general. The prose flows well and the characters enchant.
When you look back at entertainment’s history, radio, film, and print are primarily noted. But Pam Jenoff uses The Orphan’s Tale to remind us about the traveling circuses that persevered through dark times. They provided refreshment for the body and soul in spite of government rationing, and the death-defying feats offered the kind of adrenaline rush that created wide-mouth smiles instead of fear.
The Orphan’s Tale follows the POV of two women: Noa and Astrid, both circus performers, who had something grave to lose during this time of Jewish persecution. Their role within the circus was a place of safety and solace for them, but they were willing to sacrifice everything they were for each other and of course for one lonely, circumcised baby boy. To be clear, this story is about these two women, and not the orphaned baby, although he is definitely a present character, so I was a bit confused by this book’s title; however, the story came full circle by the end which I appreciated. In a way, I guess these women were both orphans in a sense as well – cast aside by those they loved. In my opinion, The Orphan’s Tale was an immensely engaging story that I was very glad to have read. If you have been enjoying the influx of WW2-related historical fiction/women’s fiction novels, then be sure to add this gem to your list!
I read this book right after finishing, “The Lost Girls of Paris.” I enjoyed both books but would say that “The Orphan’s Tale,” was slightly better. It was poignant, moving and very realistic. I enjoyed the premise as well as the execution of the entire story. Thank you, Pam, for writing such great fiction that is both touching, tragic, and lovely all at the same time.
This is a great impression of one of my first-read books from Pan Jenoff. Great setting and a perfect twist. An amazing beginning, middle, and end. *Would recommend for ages 14+.
A very interesting plot and characters. I was a little confused at first, but once I caught on to the author’s purpose, I found the different perspectives to be highly entertaining. Poignant ending. Bravo!
Love this book!
Wonderful story of a struggling German circus during World War II, hiding Jews among it’s performers and workers.
WWII story from the perspective of circus people. Well written and good red!
2.75/5
I’m definitely in the minority, and I really wanted to like this more, but I actually struggled a bit through this one.
A tale about the role the circus played in sheltering Jews in WW2, my favorite parts were the aerialists’ performances.
My two main issues (and unfortunately they were rather important) were the unevenness (slowness/melodrama) and the actions of the characters themselves not feeling realistic (so frustrating at times).
I also felt there were too many instances of repetition in the writing, and the pacing of the action felt off, with the two big drama scenes coming later in the book and both feeling over-the-top to me.
I did love the close relationship of Astrid and Noa (the aerialists), but even that was frustrating as they swung from having a loving friendship to being temperamental enemies too many times to count.
In the end, I loved the premise but felt let down in the delivery.
Unusual take of people who helped during the WW 2
I had no idea that the circus continued during WWII. The characters were fascinating and believable. It was a very interesting book. The only negative thing I can say is that the ending turn a turn that I didn’t find realistic although it was a good ending.
This book broke me. Just the imagery of babies being carted off to certain death on a train with no one to care for them had me in tears. That part will stay with me, even after the rest of this story fades from my mind. But don’t let that deter you. In fact, you probably won’t want to put it down.
Beautiful, realistic characters! Heartbreaking reminders of the Holocaust and the tragedies of individual victims. The result of turning a blind eye to socialism, fascism and totalitarianism.
A story of caring and courage. Let us never forget!
What a tragic topic. It’s a good story about something I had never heard of up till the last few years.