The circus appears overnight without any warning; the next morning, a field that was empty is strewn with magical black-and-white tents that hold wonders of which thousands have only ever dreamed. But at the center of this magical paradise are two magicians, Celia and Marco, whose competition gives life to the circus and keeps it growing and moving across the world. At the center of their rivalry, though, is a love that won’t let them carry out their competition to the bitter end. Who will take their place at the core of the circus as it slowly rots from the inside out?
I can almost guarantee you’ve heard about this book before. I have seen it on many, many different blogs in my feed reader and in fact that buzz is one of the reasons I went ahead and purchased it. Whenever there is a fantasy title that has people talking, I usually try and read it, simply because I love fantasy and I want to keep current and in touch with the conversation. This has gone well and not-so-well previously. Luckily, it went well with this one, which nicely justified my purchase and added up to a very pleasant week of reading.
One of my favorite aspects of The Night Circus straight off was the atmosphere. The way the circus is set up is so mysterious, the characters so quirky, that I was instantly intrigued by the entire situation. We start off with both magicians very young. Celia’s father didn’t even realize he had a daughter, and it is only her emergence as a player that leads Marco to be chosen as her counterpart. The circus comes about slightly differently, through a variety of players, all of whom are quite shadowy characters; merely sketches, not fully fleshed out.
But despite the oft-bemoaned lack of character and plot development, I really enjoyed this book. Maybe I wasn’t convinced by Celia and Marco’s love story, but I could taste the caramel apples and experience the magic of the tents for myself. As Jenny says, this is an atmosphere book. If you can approach it with that in mind and take it for what it is, rather than what it isn’t, I think you’ll enjoy it a lot more. It’s an excellent read for curling up with some tea by your side and taking it slowly – this isn’t a book you want to rush, it’s instead to be savored.
I’m very glad that I picked up The Night Circus, as it suited me perfectly when I am in the depths of my own writing efforts and allowed me to simply relax and sink in. Recommended.
I haven’t gotten to this yet — I think all the hype had me back off a bit. Now I’m ready again. I love atmosphere …
Beth F´s last post …Imprint Friday: Practical Jean by Trevor Cole
Sounds like we felt the same about this book. I didn’t care about the lack of character development because I was so wrapped up in the writing and the descriptions of the circus. But I think the circus was the main character anyway.
Anna´s last post …The Girl’s Thoughts on Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
I agree with pretty much everything you said; there was enough plot to keep me interested, and enough character development to keep the Celia & Marco (and Bailey & Poppet, who I loved) interesting, but even so, the circus itself, and how easy it was to get lost in it, was what made me love this book so much.
Fyrefly´s last post …Christopher Pike – Remember Me 2: The Return
I totally agree that this was an atmosphere book, and not a character or plot book. I loved it, and it really sharpened my imagination while trying to visualize just what this amazing circus looked like. It’s not for everyone though, and I can see why it would work for some a lot better than others. I loved your review on this one! Glad to hear that you had a good time with it!
zibilee´s last post …The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka — 144 pgs
Interesting characterization of this book. I appreciate the review; helps solidify my impressions of the book!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last post …Review of “The King of Lies” by John Hart
I want to read this one badly. It sounds very atmospheric!
Stephanie´s last post …Book Review: The Marriage Plot
I think sometimes we focus too much on what books are NOT rather than what they ARE. I just told my stepmom that this is on my holiday wishlist, so fingers crossed.
Hope your writing is going well!
Trish´s last post …Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand
Like Candace, they hype has kind of scared me off of this book. I’m sure I’ll read it eventually.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Review: Girls in White Dresses
Interesting review. I generally expect a plot in a novel, but I may sample this one anyway based on your description.
JR Tomlin´s last post …A Rant
great review, just got this inthe mail today
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I completely agree. The circus was the main character. Nice review.
That’s the UK cover? Its so much better, and more suited to the story than the US cover. I had some issues with this book when I read it. The atmosphere alone didn’t do it for me for a nearly 400 page novel. Its a good library read though
Sarah´s last post …Mailbox Monday
I loved this book for the atmosphere and setting. I am looking forward to seeing what she comes out with next.
Kailana´s last post …Friday Reads – 19th Edition
I might pick this up, some day. I heard it was actually a NaNoWriMo novel! That’s exciting.
heidenkind´s last post …Movie Review: BREAKING DAWN Part 1
Looks like you enjoyed this one a lot more than I did but that’s what makes reading book reviews so great, all of the different opinions!
Amused´s last post …Book Review: Dracula in Love
I definitely need to add this to my tbr list, sounds right up my street, the opening premise of a circus appearing overnight reminded me of Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes…but not as creepy
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