THE ORPHAN'S TALE

Every holocaust novel I read has managed to shock me to the core.I just cannot comprehend how inhuman people were and it is heart-wrenching to even read about the atrocities committed on millions of innocent Jews.
The Story:
Set in a travelling circus during a very dark time in history,The Orphan's Tale is narrated from the POV of two extraordinary women,Noa and Astrid and speaks about the special friendship they forge during a time when there is little hope for survival.

Sixteen year old ,Noa has been cast out in disgrace after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier and is forced to give up her baby.She lives above a small rail station where she works as a sweeper.When she discovers a box car containing dozens of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp,she is reminded of the child that was taken from her.Unable to face the scene before her and overcome by emotion ,she snatches one of the babies and flees into the snowy night.She finds refuge in a German circus but she has to learn the flying trapeze act so that she can be considered one of their own and not arouse any suspicion.The task to train her is handed over to Astrid ,the leading aerialist,who initially is not pleased with the arrangement.But the rivalry slowly changes into friendship.But these are harrowing times and everyone has secrets which threaten their very existence if revealed.Does friendship transcend all barriers and is only friendship enough to save one another?

My Views:

I read this book in two -sittings and it was certainly unputdownable.It is a well researched book and the writing is flawless.The circus makes for an interesting background.Even with war raging all around ,it is as if this part of the world is untouched by it.People probably came there to forget about what was going on around them.It was like entering a snow-globe.It was heartening to read that the circus did shelter some Jews.Astrid is one of them and has a past of her own.It was horrifying to read how they constantly lived in fear.

The narration alternated between Astrid and Noa.The voices however were not very distinct and I had to turn back a couple of times to confirm who it was I was reading about.But the characters did propel the story forward.The supporting cast of characters have their own stories and bring to light the fact that people are not all black or white but always have shades of grey to them.

It was heartrending to read about the boxcar full of Jewish babies headed for the concentration camp.Noa ,searching for redemption takes one of them and this decision changes everything forever.

The relationship between Astrid and Noa is beautifully etched.Despite having secrets which can ruin their chance at survival they confide in one another.In times like these ,when its difficult to understand who to trust,a friendship is the thread that holds everything together.Eventually Noa and Astrid are more than family to each other.But time changes everything and sacrifices have to be made.It was heartbreaking to read about love found and then lost.It is an ode to the human spirit which does not die even in the bleakest of conditions.In times of uncertain futures and little chance at survival ,this is a riveting story about love,friendship,family,resilience,courage,sacrifice and survival.

The ending made me really emotional and I thought it couldnt have ended any other way.

This book is highly recommended.
I rate it a  5 out of  5.