The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern
Originally reviewed 16th September, 2012
This book is an enchantment. From the very start it slowly catches you up in the circus itself. You can never imagine every inch of it, never know it, but you feel like a rêveur yourself, as if you’ve walked through the tents and tried the food and smelt the popcorn and chocolate mice and fire and all the strange perfumes of the circus. I think it’s that, more than anything, that made me love this book so much: I was interested in the fate of Celia and Marco, but mostly because it impacted the circus, and I couldn’t stand the idea of anything bad happening to the circus.
I did get caught up in the other parts of the plot too, don’t get me wrong: I loved the references to Merlin, which sort of clued me in on where certain things were going; I liked a lot of the characters, especially the ones with secrets; I loved all the details, and how they all came together.
Possibly this is not quite a five star book, compared to some of the other books I’ve rated five stars, but it swept me off my feet, so I’m giving it five stars anyway. I found it magical — and I’m keeping a copy around, because I think I’ll reread it someday.
Rating: 5/5
I’ve seen mixed reviews of this in the past so wasn’t sure, but as I rate your book instinct I’ll certainly give it a go now! But not before I’ve read Angela Carter’s Nights at the Circus first, and maybe actually finish Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes…
I love it a lot — I’m going to reread it soon!
I love this book! One of my all time favorites. 😀
Agreed!
Glad to see you enjoyed this! I remember I loved the concept…but couldn’t stand the main characters 😀
I’m gonna reread it soon, I think! It’s been so long since I wrote that review.
I loved this novel! And instead of re-reading it, I listened to the audiobook. It was narrated by Jim Dale. It was amazing!
Terri M., the Director
Second Run Reviews
Oooh, I should look out for that!
I’m glad you liked this one so much. I liked it but didn’t love it – I had some trouble keeping up with the timeline switching… I thought the magic of the circus was amazing, though, I’d love to see the tents Celia and Marco created for each other, it was such a gentle falling in love…
I remember being totally sucked in and enchanted. I think the magic of the circus is really what made it for me!