Scan barcode
A review by pagethatreads
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“THE CIRCUS ARRIVES WITHOUT WARNING.
NO ANNOUNCEMENTS PRECEDE IT...
IT IS SIMPLY THERE, WHEN YESTERDAY IT WAS NOT.”
---
This book follows protagonists Celia and Marco as they’re bound in a contest neither of them understand by the very people who were intended to guide and shape them in life.
The venue of their contest and our primary setting for this story is The Night Circus.
This story is a dark fantasy, containing elements of child abuse, found family and enemies to lovers. There’s an extremely mild implied sex scene and more shakespearian references than expected.
The atmosphere created for The Night Circus is absolutely stunning.
It’s dreamlike, it’s theatrical, it’s whimsical, it’s ethereal. It is a dazzling concept brought to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of detail, I really felt as if I was walking through the endless tents exploring everything as it was written before me.
I could feel the warmth, hear the crackling of the fire. I could smell the caramel on the breeze as if I’d been transported there to experience it.
I've never wanted to try a chocolate mouse more.
I haven't found many books that have the ability or the allure to bring me into their world, rather than allow me to experience it with a degree of separation from an outsider's perspective.
Nevertheless, this book is not going to be for everyone.
It's thought provoking and full of intrigue, the story written on a non linear timeline that takes place over decades, rather than weeks or years.
It has a slow build up, with multiple timeskips and pov changes that I found ridiculously convoluted at times.
While I enjoyed reading and piecing it together as I went, even towards the end when I had more of a clear picture, I still had far more questions than answers.
The characters are flawed people, which makes them interesting to follow, but unfortunately I found them lacking in true character development.
Their love story develops over the span of years throughout the book, it was trickled in over the pages, a little here and a little there, but I didn't find it convincing. It was a by-product of the story, rather than the integral part it needed to be.
This book was written as though the wonder of the circus was paramount, and its characters secondary.
The Night Circus was an enchanting book to read though I found it’s conclusion a little lacking.
NO ANNOUNCEMENTS PRECEDE IT...
IT IS SIMPLY THERE, WHEN YESTERDAY IT WAS NOT.”
---
This book follows protagonists Celia and Marco as they’re bound in a contest neither of them understand by the very people who were intended to guide and shape them in life.
The venue of their contest and our primary setting for this story is The Night Circus.
This story is a dark fantasy, containing elements of child abuse, found family and enemies to lovers. There’s an extremely mild implied sex scene and more shakespearian references than expected.
The atmosphere created for The Night Circus is absolutely stunning.
It’s dreamlike, it’s theatrical, it’s whimsical, it’s ethereal. It is a dazzling concept brought to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of detail, I really felt as if I was walking through the endless tents exploring everything as it was written before me.
I could feel the warmth, hear the crackling of the fire. I could smell the caramel on the breeze as if I’d been transported there to experience it.
I've never wanted to try a chocolate mouse more.
I haven't found many books that have the ability or the allure to bring me into their world, rather than allow me to experience it with a degree of separation from an outsider's perspective.
Nevertheless, this book is not going to be for everyone.
It's thought provoking and full of intrigue, the story written on a non linear timeline that takes place over decades, rather than weeks or years.
It has a slow build up, with multiple timeskips and pov changes that I found ridiculously convoluted at times.
While I enjoyed reading and piecing it together as I went, even towards the end when I had more of a clear picture, I still had far more questions than answers.
The characters are flawed people, which makes them interesting to follow, but unfortunately I found them lacking in true character development.
Their love story develops over the span of years throughout the book, it was trickled in over the pages, a little here and a little there, but I didn't find it convincing. It was a by-product of the story, rather than the integral part it needed to be.
This book was written as though the wonder of the circus was paramount, and its characters secondary.
The Night Circus was an enchanting book to read though I found it’s conclusion a little lacking.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Murder