50 pages • 1 hour read
The Orphan's Tale
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Chapters 6-9Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness, death, child death, racism, religious discrimination, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
Chapter 6 Summary: “Noa”
Two weeks later, Noa has settled into circus life, reflecting on her bond with baby Theo and accepting she can never return home. In the practice hall, she watches Astrid perform an expert routine. Peter remarks on Astrid’s magnificent performance.
During her own session, Noa overcomes her fear and successfully lets go of the trapeze bar, allowing Astrid to catch her. Back on the platform, Astrid accuses Noa of lying about Theo’s identity and pushes her into the safety net far below. When Herr Neuhoff investigates, Noa claims she slipped to protect Astrid.
Later, Noa confesses to Astrid that Theo is a Jewish baby she rescued. Their conversation is interrupted by SS officers searching for a Jew. While Noa creates a distraction, Astrid hides in a secret space beneath the floor. After Herr Neuhoff bribes the officers, Astrid emerges and reveals she is also Jewish. Understanding their shared danger, Astrid asks Noa to become her new trapeze partner.
Chapter 7 Summary: “Astrid”
A month later, the circus travels by train into France. Astrid remains fearful of discovery. She reflects on her relationship with Peter and the family she has lost. In the women’s sleeper car, she watches
