The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book source: Library
Genre: Literary Fiction
Objectionable material: none
#10 on my "Top Ten Summer TBR Books"
Once upon a time there was a circus.
A magical circus. With black and white tents, an eternal cauldron flaming bright in the courtyard, an expertly crafted clock marking time, and mystical performers and acts.
But hidden within the tent walls is a competition between two unknowing participants. Each trying to prove their superiority over the other at the hands of their mentors.
Then the competitors fall in love. Circus allies die. The circus magic begins to fail. The future of the circus must be saved – but by whom?
Erin Morgenstern has created an enchanting story, full of whimsy, wonder and conflict.
Her imagery is brilliant: each circus “exhibit” discovered by the reader is like going down Alice’s rabbit hole, with tales of ice or dreams or clouds or wishes. Her characters are equally distinctive: a tattooed contortionist, a peculiar man in a grey suit, a shadowy father, fanciful twins, and fateful lovers.
Less successful was the story development – it took nearly 300 pages for anything to “happen.” It was pretty to read along the way…but my patience was certainly tested.
Overall, a book like nothing I’ve read before. Totally unique and original. A perfect read to transport you to another world.
I'm glad to see you liked this in the end. I could tell on goodreads you were skeptical at first! I've had this on my tbr for awhile, but I'm looking forward to getting to it one of these days!
ReplyDeletei love how you described it!
ReplyDeleteSounds good, although I'm not sure I can give anything 300 pages to pull me in!!
ReplyDeleteLikewise, 300 pages before anything happens...then again, during the lazy, hazy days of summer that may be just the right note, especially if the descriptions are as dazzling as you suggest.
ReplyDeleteI just realized your header quotes change! That's impressive :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a DNF for me... I don't like magic/circus settings much so I knew it was a risky choice for me.
I'm so glad to see you loved it though! It's always lovely to find a favorite.
This book definitely has its flaws, but the gorgeous descriptions and the circus as the main character make it possible to overlook them. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI listened to this one a few months ago--solely because it was read by Jim Dale, who voiced the Harry Potter audiobooks. He did a brilliant job with this, and I too got caught up in the descriptions. I loved the book!
ReplyDeleteLike Mari, I am not one for circus books but my bookclub is reading it so I am going to give it a try. I hope it changes my mind about circus books :)
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