From the Publisher
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 steals 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.
Between the Covers
This was my first experience with historical fiction. Admittedly, I tend to lean heavily toward more modern narratives. However, I am quite glad that I looked into professional book nerd (aka author) Karma Brown’s recommendation, otherwise I would have missed out on this extraordinary work.
The Orphan’s Tale is a very compelling read, depicting characters that are fiercely defiant and daring in their own subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways, cautiously and desperately clinging to whatever scraps of hope might exist despite the grim, otherwise-inescapable reality of the time, wherein even a miniscule glimpse of joy is fleeting and a moment of peace is merely an illusion, as the ramifications of the war make themselves increasingly known, pressing in on all sides, leaving nothing untouched.
Jenoff’s portrayal of overwhelmingly heart-wrenching experiences and decisions led me to become invested in these characters and the outcome of their lives from the onset, constantly fearing for their future at every turn and wondering if they would even have one, especially with the vast degree of uncertainty – in all things – that was so pervasive throughout the story.
While devastating in its own way, even the ending could not have been more perfectly crafted.
Five stars from start to finish!
Between the Covers 