‘Just about broke my heart… I finished this book in a couple of hours because I couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 starsA heartbreaking and beautiful love story set in the darkest hours of World War Two – perfect for fans of 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 at the horse fairs … edge of the law, finding work where he can at the horse fairs on the outskirts of the city. But when Paris falls to the Nazis, Michel escapes as a stowaway on a secret midnight train bound for the south. It’s a journey that will change his life forever.
It’s there Michel first sees Frieda – dark-haired, mysterious and also fleeing the Germans. Homeless and hungry, Michel would do anything for a safe place to sleep… and the chance to spend one more hour with her.
But there’s something Frieda isn’t telling him, a secret she has sworn to carry to her grave. As Michel leaves Paris behind for the lavender fields and hillside villages of the rural south, he’s in more danger than he could ever know…
What readers are saying about The Ringmaster’s Daughter:
‘This is the best book I have read this year, it is beautiful and atmospheric. The story really draws you in and you find yourself really caring about all of the characters and their battle for survival as outsiders in occupied France.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘I felt the heartache, fear and desperation of the characters living in France at this time… The place descriptions, particularly of Paris, were phenomenal… I read it in twenty-four hours and just could not put it down. A moving, captivating read.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Beyond amazing. I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. Could not put it down nor did I want to. This is going to be a must read for many many readers.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘The author of this book weaves a marvellous story together… It is both a thought provoking and, at times, emotionally punching read. I’m hooked. I devoured The Ringmaster’s Daughter in two sessions. Brilliant story.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘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.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Schabowski’s debut novel, The Ringmaster’s Daughter, is impressive in both expanse and execution. If I had to describe this novel in 3 words they would be: poignant, earnest, and undaunted. Schabowski is a gifted wordsmith… overall this novel is an affecting, entertaining, and intriguing read.’ NetGalley reviewer
‘The world of The Ringmaster’s Daughter is well-crafted and wonderfully vivid – especially that of circus… The story is captivating.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘This is a truly sensational debut novel. Carly Schabowski is definitely one to watch out for, I certainly will be.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘This is a wonderful wartime love story but also a story about friendship, hope and sacrifice. A delightful read that will get you hooked from the get go!’ Lu Reads Anything, 5 starsmore
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.
The Circus
When the German Army entered France at the start of WWII life changed for everyone. It was a life changer for Michel a twenty year old living in Paris. His mentor, Bertrand, a neighbor that helped him find a job and a place to live after his mother died, persuades him to leave Paris because the Germans were coming.
They go to the train station but it was so packed they couldn’t get in , they went to a second station with no luck. Bertrand talked to a friend and was told about a train coming through that Michel could run and catch. He runs and catches the train not knowing it is a circus train. Michel joins the circus taking care of the horses. He falls in love with Freda, the ringmaster’s daughter, and stays with the circus.
Unknown to him the circus was made up of a German man , the ringmaster, and a circus troupe filled with Jewish performers.
The story is about the circus, the performers, and their journey one step ahead of the Germans, sometimes performing for them in plain sight. The story is about the separate relationships between each of the performers and their stories. It is about the War, how they survive and what happens when they are finally betrayed.
The book was a good read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Carly Shabowski, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
A lot of historical fiction set in World War II is set in the midst of the war. This book was unique because it starts before the Germans invade and occupy Paris. Right there I knew I was in for something different. I found Michel to be a complicated lead character. The main thrust of the plot is the woebegone circus trying to find places to perform in the face of impending war. The juxtaposition of the horrors of war and the magic of a circus is clever and made the emotions around each much stronger. I did think the ending was abrupt and that the characters deserved a more detailed ending, and that the title somewhat gives away a plot point. But it was still a good read, and I would recommend it. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
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
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
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