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A review by keiraonyxraven
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
2.7 stars: beautiful writing but weak plot
I tried so hard to like this book. I wanted so badly to agree with all the wonderful reviews because, in theory, I should have loved it. Unfortunately, I found it hard to finish.
I started reading The Night Circus in June 2023 and it lost my interest within the first 100 pages. I then returned in December, determined to give it another chance. Although I did manage to finish the book on my second attempt, I am sad to say the plot just wasn’t captivating enough to warrant almost 500 pages of unnecessary POVs, repeated information and seemingly unimportant chapters. The plot itself was rather weak, and I believe the story could have been told in under 200 pages.
That being said, it is undeniable that the Authors descriptive writing, world building and ability to make you feel like you are really in their story, are undoubtedly the saving grace of this book. The plot may have dragged and I may have guessed the ending almost as soon as it was hinted, but to say this book was bad by any means of the word would be simply untrue.
Maybe I am simply too old for this type of fantasy (mid 20s) or maybe The Night Circus just wasn’t for me. Either way, I would neither recommend nor condemn this book, I guess I am simply indifferent.
I tried so hard to like this book. I wanted so badly to agree with all the wonderful reviews because, in theory, I should have loved it. Unfortunately, I found it hard to finish.
I started reading The Night Circus in June 2023 and it lost my interest within the first 100 pages. I then returned in December, determined to give it another chance. Although I did manage to finish the book on my second attempt, I am sad to say the plot just wasn’t captivating enough to warrant almost 500 pages of unnecessary POVs, repeated information and seemingly unimportant chapters. The plot itself was rather weak, and I believe the story could have been told in under 200 pages.
That being said, it is undeniable that the Authors descriptive writing, world building and ability to make you feel like you are really in their story, are undoubtedly the saving grace of this book. The plot may have dragged and I may have guessed the ending almost as soon as it was hinted, but to say this book was bad by any means of the word would be simply untrue.
Maybe I am simply too old for this type of fantasy (mid 20s) or maybe The Night Circus just wasn’t for me. Either way, I would neither recommend nor condemn this book, I guess I am simply indifferent.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death