The circus arrives without warning. This was truly a unique and beautifully written book that I honestly just didn’t want to end!
Rating: 5/5
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. The black sign, painted in white letters that hangs upon the gates, reads: Opens at Nightfall Closes at Dawn. As the sun disappears beyond the horizon, all over the tents small lights begin to flicker, as though the entirety of the circus is covered in particularly bright fireflies. When the tents are all aglow, sparkling against the night sky, the sign appears. Le Cirque des Reves. The Circus of Dreams. Now the circus is open. Now you may enter.
This was my #EnchantedReadsBookClub January pick! And this was such a fun one to read and discuss!
This was such an unexpected read! Honestly, going in I didn’t know what to expect. Surely though, I was not expecting what we got. I don’t remember the last book I read that was set up in such a manner if any in fact. This was truly a unique and beautifully written book that I honestly just didn’t want to end!
This was truly a unique and beautifully written book that I honestly just didn’t want to end!
Now what I mean by this book was set up in a manner I’ve not read before, that’s about half true. This book follows a non-linear narrative over several viewpoints. And I’ve read many non-linear books in the past, usually with only two timelines though. Though, The Night Circus is truly unique, as we not only get to see these various viewpoints over several timelines, we also see one of them written as though you, the reader are experiencing the circus itself. We follow this timeline that jumps around and brings us into it as well. I found this sincerely enchanting. I didn’t want it to see it end.
Not only that, the summary itself is so broad that I couldn’t help but be intrigued, yearning to know more “The circus arrives without warning…” I knew just from that first sentence I wanted to read this. And it did not disappoint. This was a magical read.
The descriptions of the circus were simply breathtaking, painting images of the circus that felt so real it was as if they could really be memories. Especially within the pages where it was written as though we were experiencing the different tents, I could truly see the circus and smell the caramel apples and popcorn. It honestly felt real to me. I loved getting to learn how the circus came to be, how it all worked as well as a majority of the tents throughout it. It appeared like a darker mix of Disneyworld meets Barnum and Bailey Circus.
The descriptions of the circus were simply breathtaking, painting images of the circus that felt so real it was as if they could really be memories.
Plus all the characters were very thrilling to follow with their own experiences and stories. I enjoyed getting to know all of the different characters. Though some stayed a mystery throughout the book. I especially loved following two of our main characters, Marco and Celia, they were so easy to love.
I will say, I went into this knowing it had a love story and honestly for a while I didn’t see why. For the majority of the book, there is no romance. Then, it comes full swing, immersing you in this beautiful love story that reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. It was fast and sudden but so beautiful to follow. I don’t think it could have ended any better.
I will admit there are a handful of surprises sprinkled throughout. Most of them I saw coming, as some of them were obvious. Others not so much, but I had my theories, some were right. There were a few that still made me go, “Woah!” that I didn’t see them coming at all.
However, with all this, I don’t know if this is a book for everyone. The pace was more on the slow side. Definitely a slow burn. Usually, I don’t like books that are slow as this one was, but I was so enchanted by the story and descriptions that the pace wasn’t bad. I was captivated enough that I wasn’t bored.
Usually, I don’t like books that are slow as this one was, but I was so enchanted by the story and descriptions that the pace wasn’t bad.
I thought this was a beautiful story. I definitely can’t wait to read Morgenstern’s other book, The Starless Sea. If it’s as beautifully written as this one is, I know I’ll love it! Keep in mind though, as I mentioned, I don’t think this is for everyone, because of its slower pace. I think if you’re a fan of magic and fantasy, definitely consider picking this up!