Worth Losing Sleep Over

I just finished reading “The Circus Train “ by Canadian novelist, Amita Parikh. Her debut novel earned her instant recognition as Toronto Star’s pick as best historical fiction of 2022. “The Circus Train” is a captivating read that kept me up until midnight intent on finishing the last seventy-eight pages.

Not wanting to be a spoiler, I offer the following general comments hoping to spark your reading curiosity. “The Circus Train” introduces us to the daily workings of the travelling circus, World of Wonders, and the daily life of a circus troupe travelling through Europe in the 1930s and 40s on a specially converted steam train. As a sideline, the tale reveals polio therapy in its infancy.

The plot revolves around three main characters, Lena, Theo, and Alexandre. Lena Papadopoulos, the central character, is a young polio survivor. Theo, a renowned illusionist in the circus is the overprotective father of Lena. Alexandre is a young orphan runaway. Alexandre’s Jewish identity within the circus milieu is protected. With Theo’s encouragement, Alexandre becomes Lena’s best friend and supporter.

The story skillfully intertwines the threads of circus life, father-daughter relationships, war time dilemmas, bonds of friendship, secrets, and true forgiveness born of understanding.

I present to you a delightful reading experience!

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Sourcing a Good Read

One of my friends, who jokingly has labelled me a reading addict, passed me a link to join the U of T Alumni Virtual Book Club. Knowing her advice to be sound, I clicked on the link she provided to check it out.

I learned how it works on the website. It is a private forum powered by PBC Guru where registered participants vote on which of two recommended books the group will read and discuss over the upcoming several months.

To get started you sign up by creating an account by filling in a few fields such as name, email, a password, and graduation year/ affiliation. When I saw graduation year, I thought I had hit a snag, but fortunately the choice of affiliation was the loophole I needed to find. I was given several options such as faculty, staff, current student, or friend of the university. I didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t be a friend of the university!  I clicked the box beside the line, friend of the university, to complete my sign up. Almost immediately I received an email in response. I now was a member of the virtual Book Club!

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Though I must admit I haven’t taken part in the online virtual chat feature yet, I have read three very good books. I also have had the opportunity to better understand the personal backdrop for the Violin Conspiracy, by listening to a talk by its author, Brendan Solcumb. Author talks are regularly offered to registered members with the option to join live or to access the link for the recording of it at your leisure.

You might want to pursue U of T virtual Book Club yourself. Don’t let summer days pass by without enjoying a few good summer reads.

https://alumni.utoronto.ca/events-and-programs/upcoming-events)

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Header Image: Unsplash/Tom Hermans

With a book in hand...

"Said the river:  imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going...."

This quote by the poet Mary Oliver bookends this story which takes place in England during the years 1939 to 1962.  The central date is March 1960.

In 1939 a mum sends her two daughters to the country for protection from the anticipated German bombers. The elder, Hazel (14) often cares for Flora (5). She weaves elaborate stories about an imaginary world that only the two share. One day Flora falls asleep on a blanket by the river; Hazel goes to a nearby tree to visit a friend.  When she returns, Flora is gone.  Despite a massive search, Flora is never found.  For Hazel, how long can she hope?  Now comes March, 1960...

An intriguing story with many unexpected twists and a satisfying ending. 

- Jackie Potters, csj Associate

Header Image: Unsplash/Dan Dumitriu

Fancy a read?

I’ve got another great book to add to your summer reading list…Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes.

Pure chance in a gym locker sends Nisha and Sam home with the other's gym bag; these contain an expensive pair of stilettos and a plain, discount pair of flat shoes with frayed seams.

What happens next dramatically changes each woman's life in many ways, especially in their relationships with and attitudes towards others.  

The plot twists and turns as more characters flesh out the worlds of these two women who literally walk in each other's shoes. ENJOY!

-Jackie Potters, csj Associate

A Summer Read

The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb

Travel back in time to the early 1900s when waves of European immigrants arrive on Ellis Island.  Each group has its own language, culture, and background; yet each person is an individual fleeing untold hardship, hoping to build a better life in America.

Most of the activity takes place on Ellis Island or in nearby New York, a starting point for many.  The realistic situations and the varied cast of characters make for a good story, about the times and human nature.  

It is an engaging look at a time that may have been an early rendition to both the intolerance and warm welcome that Americans offer 'the other'.

- Jackie Potters, csj Associate