The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

In 1886, a mysterious travelling circus becomes an international sensation. Open only at night, constructed entirely in black and white, Le Cirque des Rêves delights all who wander its circular paths and warm themselves at its bonfire.

Although there are acrobats, fortune-tellers and contortionists, the Circus of Dreams is no conventional spectacle. Some tents contain clouds, some ice. The circus seems almost to cast a spell over its aficionados, who call themselves the rêveurs - the dreamers. At the heart of the story is the tangled relationship between two young magicians, Celia, the enchanter's daughter, and Marco, the sorcerer's apprentice. At the behest of their shadowy masters, they find themselves locked in a deadly contest, forced to test the very limits of the imagination, and of their love...

A fabulous, fin-de-siècle feast for the senses and a life-affirming love story, The Night Circus is a captivating novel that will make the real world seem fantastical and a fantasy world real.

• ISBN10: 184655523X
• ISBN13: 9781846555237
• Publish Date: 15 September 2011 (first published 1 January 2011)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 1 August 2014
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Vintage Publishing
• Imprint: Harvill Secker
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[elysium]

Celia and Marco are bound to a duel from childhood by their mentors, to a duel from which only one of them will survive. The venue is a circus that arrives without notice and opens only after sun goes down. But what their mentors did not take into account was that they might fall in love.

I’m so happy I finally decided to read this because I loved it! Before I started it I wasn’t sure about the whole circus thing but it worked here.

This isn’t action packed but it still managed to be not boring. The time changes were little confusing at first but I got used to them,

I loved Marco’s and Celia’s relationship but it could have felt more closer if they would haven spent more time together. There were years when they had no contact with each other which meant many chapters with no contact. I loved seeing them growing closer and learning more about their magic and what they’re capable doing with it. It was interesting to see Celia building some kind of relationship with her father and what kind of person it made her.

I have to say I never really got the meaning of this duel. I mean there was never any real confrontation between the players and it seemed like they never really did anything besides creating a new tent. Yes those were some special and cool tents but still. And how does that kind of duel really end? What makes the winner a winner? But that would be my biggest complain that the world would have been better explained.

But I really loved the book and it was a great debut. Can’t wait to read more of her books!

[Jo]

Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.

When I was contacted about taking part in the blog tour for The Night Circus, I was intrigued, but I didn't know what to expect. The blurb seems perfect now I've read the book, but before I had, I didn't really feel it told me what the story was about. The official synopsis above is better, but I still wasn't sure what kind of story I would be reading. Then I picked it up, and completely fell in love.

Two poweful masters of magic decide to play a game. They each take a child, and teach them in their ways of illusion, manipulation, magic, with the intention of pitting them against each other after years of study to see how will win. The rules of the game are not clear, nor is how one wins, all Celia and Marco know is that they have to out-do some other unknown - each other - and have no choice in the matter.

Chandresh Christophe Lefèvre is a wealthy, powerful, business man, and comes up with an idea for a circus. But not just any circus, not a normal cicrus with clowns and silliness. A circus that opens only at night, with innumerable tents with fantastic sights to wow and awe the audience, tents where each is better than the last. A circus where dreams are a reality; Le Cirque des Rêves - the circus of dreams. Whether through fate, coincidence, or design, this circus is where Celia and Marco will do battle, where they will try to create spectacles that will out shine those of the other. The circus becomes intwined in all that both Celia and Marco do, it's fate, and that of everyone involved in it, determined only by who wins.

I cannot tell you how much I love this story! It is absolutely incredible; completely magical and so detailed. The story spans decades; we follow the lives of Celia and Marco from when they're children, from when the challenge is put in motion by their masters, through their studying and through the start of the game they don't completely understand. We also get to see the circus form; we see the conception of the idea, where Chandresh is discussing ideas with a bnumber of close friends he feels can contribute to the success of an idea he has had, through opening night when magical things happen. We see the circus achieve global fame, and the rise of the rêveurs, a world-wide group of fans whose love for the circus knows no bounds.

The is a large cast of characters, and Erin Morgenstern writes with such skill that you care about each and every single one of them, even though there are more than I could count. The romance between Celia and Marco is beyond words, but I'll try; it is intense and powerful, and really grabs the reader by the heart. It is achingly beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. There are sub-plots that follow the lives of various other characters, whose stories are told outside the time of the circus. For example, you could be reading one chapter about the plans for the circus, and the next chapter will jump forward quite a few years and we see young Bailey, a farmer's son, who has just visited the circus for the first time. It sounds like it might get confusing, but it never does. It's a fantastic way of adding to the brilliance of the circus to the reader, making it seem as if it is in existence at all times - the past, the future, it's all now where the circus is concerned. Also, with the sub-plots, we get to see the circus from the outside as well as from the inside. But these aren't just random sub-plots, each sub-plot is integral to the story as a whole, even if you can't see how at the beginning. The reach of the circus, of the story, is wide, and so many lives are effected by it.

Morgenstern is an exceptionally skilled writer. No matter who's point of view we're following at any point of the book, the book is written in thirdperson. Except for when it isn't. Except for those times when Morgernstern writes in second person - no "I" or "he/she/they", but "you". Throughout the novel, Morgernstern brings the reader in by allowing you to visit the circus; she leads you through various tents, shows you different sights, and makes the circus seem real, because you get to "see" it yourself. And the tents are simply magical! Morgenstern has imagination in bucketloads, and she pours it into this novel. I don't want to go into what you'll find in the interiors of the tents, because they are best discovered as you read, but this circus truly is a circus of dreams! You have no idea how much I wish this circus was real; it would be a wonder to behold!

Not only that, but Morgenstern has a incredible way with words! The Night Circus is a delight to the imagination; though only existing in words, the circus is a feast for the senses. Everything is described in so much detail, in such language, you are immersed in wondrous sights, sounds, scents, tastes and textures throughout the novel, making it a luxurious read. The language is so beautiful, it's addictive, with sentences that demand to be read aloud. Each chapter is like the tents of the circus; there's something extraordinary to discover, each word something delicious dipped in sugar. Although the pace of the book can be considered slow moving, to me it was perfect; slow to savour the complete and utter deliciousness of the book! With The Night Circus, Morgernstern paints with words, and she has painted a masterpiece.

This book is completely enchanting. It's like Morgenstern crawled into my head, and from what she discovered, she wrote the book I had been looking for all along, without even knowing I was looking for it. The Night Circus goes above and beyond anything I could ever have wished for in a book. It's not just a story, it's an experience. Quite possible the best book I have ever read, one I have taken into my hear and will treasure my whole life.

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

The Night Circus is an enchanting, dreamlike book filled with magic and lyrical descriptions. The official summary gives the impression there is a high stakes, life-or-death duel occurring (which is technically true), but it is obvious that one of Morgernstern’s primary goals is to give the reader the experience of entering the most magical circus imaginable. She even includes short chapters written from the point of view of “you” as you wander through tunnels and tents and see impossible performances. What you see is astounding—a wishing tree, a garden of ice, paper animals that fly—and all of it is rendered in black and white. It is understandable why some of the characters become obsessed.

On the actual plot end it is worth noting, as reviewers have, that this is no race. But that is the point. It would be difficult to appreciate the circus if readers were zipped through it just to see how the magicians’ competition ends. Be prepared for a reading experience closer to what many classics offer, rather than the latest pulp fiction. The Night Circus is just as much about the journey as it is about the conclusion. Neither is disappointing.

Amid the world of the circus is the story of two lovers who are kept apart by powerful circumstances they strive to control. Their tale is quiet and beautiful, and just shy of tragic. Traveling with them are unusual twins, and a contortionist who knows more than she says. All the characters, whether within the circus or without, are captivating, and each are offered chapters from their own points of view. The way their single stories converge into the story of the circus is truly a work of art.

The Night Circus is a unique novel, offering scents and sound and sights—an immersion into its world of enchantment and the lives of its characters. There is much at stake in this small venue built and run on untested magic, but there is also much to gain. Enter Le Cirque des Rêves, and you might fall in love.

This review was also posted at Pages Unbound Book Reviews.

[jnikkir]

If I could give this book a thousand stars, I would. It is the most beautifully haunting and gorgeous story I've read... possibly ever. With my habit of rereading books, I know I'll be coming back to it often.

[ladygrey]

This is a surprisingly extraordinary book. At first I wasn't quite loving it, because it's so detached from the characters. Since I read a lot of young adult fiction, I'm used to stories that are much more immersive, dwelling on characters thoughts and emotions to pull you into the very middle of the story with them. This story is more removed than that and so I wasn't sure of it at first.

But then, what is austere becomes evocative when it moves beyond a handful of characters that you're not that connected to and opens up the world of this story, the mystery and wonder and sensual oddity that is so interesting. There is so much that is unknown, so much you're wondering about but so much to enjoy while you wonder.

It's an elegantly crafted story; emotional despite it's simplicity; unique and fascinating and wonderful.

ETA: Even better on second reading. I connected with the characters because I wasn't so lost in what was going on. And the story was richer and deeper since I understood it from the beginning.

Also, perfect song to listen to while reading The Night Circus?
Little Talks | Of Monsters and Men

[Michael @ Knowledge Lost]

The atmosphere and imagery for this dream like novel is spectacular. The Night Circus reminds me of that TV show Carnivàle; full of unimaginable wonder, mystery and a circus of wonder. At times this book also reminds me of a Neil Gaiman book playful with some dramatic surrealism thrown in for good measure. While everything from the illusions, circus exhibitions and even the clocks seem so unreal and unimaginable, Erin Morgenstern skilfully describes everything so well that you can picture it; even if you can’t make sense of it.

The Night Circus is a fairy tale of a circus in Victorian London that is full of magic when the sun sets till the sun rises in the morning. It has magic, romance, mystery and constant excitement. Morgenstern times the scene changes so well that while you want to know more, you are eager to find out what will happen next. It’s a skilful tactic that makes this book simply brilliant in every aspect. Even though this is a book the imagery makes this story amazingly visual you almost want to use the word ‘cinematography’ while writing a review of it. I’m not going to talk about the story line; you just have to find out that for yourself. There are a few flaws they are so easily forgotten in this book that is so close to perfection.

[rakesandrogues]

I debated whether or not to review this one. It’s not YA and it’s not a romance novel. But eventually, I realized that I do have a bit to say about it, so I might as well just write them out.

First of all, I don’t think it would be fair if I summarized the novel for you. I think part of the enjoyment that comes with reading THE NIGHT CIRCUS is experiencing the circus for yourself like the audience members attending the Night Circus for the very first time in the book. There’s fun and excitement opening up the first few pages of the novel, not knowing what quite to expect but knowing that something good has to lie between the covers.

What I will tell you is that THE NIGHT CIRCUS is a love story, and it is a fantastic one at that. I loved the chemistry and tension between Marco and Celia. I think it was very easy to put one’s self into Celia’s shoes. I easily empathized with Celia, and I definitely felt my heart breaking whenever hers did. THE NIGHT CIRCUS is a rollercoaster of so many different emotions: passion, excitement, betrayal, and more. It’s hard to predict what will happen in the book, and that uncertainty was quite depressing. Would it end with a Happily Ever After? As a reader, I was uncertain until the very end.

Love the world-building. Morgenstern’s writing just transports you to the turn of the 19th century England and New York. Morgenstern is so descriptive and you can’t help but feel like you’re part of the story. Her descriptions of the circus are rich and vivid. It’s a circus like no other, but she explains every tent, nook, and cranny so beautifully.

This has little to do with the book, but more to reviewers and critics. I think it’s quite unfair to compare THE NIGHT CIRCUS to Harry Potter. While THE NIGHT CIRCUS was – no doubt – beautifully written, you can’t just compare it to Harry Potter. THE NIGHT CIRCUS isn’t even a children’s novel!!! Besides that, the only other similarities between the two is that David Heyman, producer of the Potter films, is in talks to produce the film adaptation of THE NIGHT CIRCUS. But before I digress even more….

Overall, THE NIGHT CIRCUS is one of the best books that I’ve read this year. Morgenstern crafted a beautiful novel. It exceeded my expectations, but I wouldn’t go out as far to say that it is the next Harry Potter. Nonetheless, I have pushed this book to several people already, and I can imagine continuing to encourage others to pick it up.

[bookishzelda]

Wow. I have to admit I wasn't so sure how I was going to feel about this book. The enticing cover and rave reviews had me curious enough to pick it up at the store when I saw The Night Circus. I have to admit that I am very glad.



There is something magical about Erin Morgenstern's writing style encountered in this book. I felt like the words had their own magical dance as much as the circus they were describing. I felt mystified by them. It was such a pleasure to read. The plot itself might seem like it moves along slowly but I don't really feel like that is the case. I think it's all in the way you read it. If you are look for that simple love story where two characters meet and make lovey dovey eyes at eachother, then ya the plot is slow. I think this book is so much more complex then that however. I was a little confused by the years at the beginning of the chapter, it did bounce around quite a bit. I really didn't feel like it made a difference as far as reading it though.



The love story in this was so unique in the fact that a large sum of it takes place without the characters even meeting eachother. Due to that fact you really feel their angst and their devotion to eachother. So when they finally meet you can feel the explosion of chemistry between them.



The circus itself was amazing. I'm reading to run out into a field and see if the circus has come to my town. The descriptions and the ideas for the acts were terrific with rich details. I am definitely a Night Circus reveurs and will be wearing my red scraf.

[elvinagb]

Amazing. A great read.

[tellemonstar]

UPDATED: 11/11/11 - FailBetter games, the creators of the mazing text-based browser game Echo Bazzar, have created an incredible text-based browser game based on the book. All you require is a twitter or facebook account to play. http://www.nightcircus.co.uk/

Updating from my previous review - this book is really good. It worms its way into your brain and you find yourself thinking about it at odd moments sometime after you've finished. It's a little slow to start with, it starts to get better after page 53, but don't skip the beginning or you won't understand. As you get further into the book you get further and further involved in the lives of the characters that make up the impressive 'Le Cirque des Reves'. I was worried that the descriptions were going to become Tolkien-like and take up more of the pages than stricly necessary, but Ms. Morgenstern manages to avoid this. The descriptions, especially of the actual circus, help to bring parts of the story to life.

As is gleaned through the story, the circus is the stage for the main characters stories to play out, although it is an important part of the story itself - it is almost a character in it's own right. I was never 100% sure whether the circus itself was malevolent or benevolent.

That said, if you are expecting a story about clowns, acrobats and strongmen, then I am afraid you are going to be disappointed. There are few things tradtional about the Night Circus. If chapters that switch from future to past (although only by a few years) annoy you, then that may put you off this book, but don't let it. The back-and-forthing wasn't terribly confusing (and normally it's something I really dislike.)

If you are after a change of pace and have a spare weekend, try this out and see.