The Night Circus
“People see what they wish to see. And in most cases, what they are told that they see.”
I’ve heard so much about this book, and it’s taken me forever to pick it up. I’m glad I finally did because I totally understand the hype. I remember when The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern came out 10 years ago, but for whatever reason, I didn’t read it right away, probably because I was a senior in high school and was already reading a lot for school. Over the past decade (wow) I’ve heard nothing but good things, and multiple people in my life list it as their favorite book. I totally see why they say that.
Le Cirque des Reves, or The Circus of Dreams, arrives mysteriously and without warning, traveling around Europe and America to fill communities with wonder and delight. Only open from dusk until dawn, the circus has some of your typical acts, illusionists, acrobats and so many sweet and salty snacks, but it also has some tents that shouldn’t be possible, one made of ice, another of clouds, and another a magical labyrinth. That’s because the circus wasn’t actually built for entertainment, but for two warring magicians, Celia and Marco, to compete with each other in a life-long battle. Readers know something that the magicians don’t as they slowly fall for each other: there can only be one surviving victor.
“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.”
I loved the atmosphere of this book. It’s so beautifully written, and it’s easy to get lost in the prose. People who don’t like descriptive language may not like this, but I found it to be incredibly immersive. Each time I picked up this book, I was able to fully escape reality and focus on the adventures of this circus and a host of eccentric characters. There were storylines I didn’t understand from the start, but they all came together beautifully by the end. I also liked that this book wasn’t necessarily a happy one, surprisingly. The stakes of this magical competition are high, and while it creates this beautiful, magical setting, there’s a lot of pain inside as every character realizes that they are a pawn in a game that can only end in death. I also like that the circus became a “character” in its own right, and figuring out how to end the magicians’ duel could also change the fate of the circus itself. Even in its darker moments, there was still plenty of whimsy and enchantment that kept me invested.
One issue I had with this book was the pacing. While I loved the enchantment and magic of the circus, I was expecting a lot more action throughout, especially since these magicians are supposed to be dueling. That said, because this was more of a slower burn than I expected, it allowed the two main characters’ relationship to really build. They really got to know each other from afar, creating various tents to show off their skills to the other and generally keeping the entire circus going.
“You think, as you walk away from Le Cirque des Rêves and into the creeping dawn, that you felt more awake within the confines of the circus. You are no longer quite certain which side of the fence is the dream.”
Overall, I recommend this book to people who care more about character development and an intricate setting than a fast-paced plot. The Night Circus is a great book to read as the days get shorter and we’re all looking to escape all the stress of the impending holiday season, even if for a few chapters. The vivid descriptions of the circus and mysterious drama that is slowly unfurled to each character will keep the pages turning late into the night. In fact, I recommend saving it for nightfall, and perhaps enjoying it with some classic circus snacks like kettle corn. It’s a small thing, but the food described in this book will make you hungry.
If you liked The Night Circus, you might like these!
If you’re looking for a book full of adventure and more autumn atmosphere, I couldn’t recommend The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón enough. Plus, it’s a book about books, which is a huge bonus for me.
Another dark book about dueling magical powers is Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. This one is about an island where a set of magical triplets must battle to the death to determine who will take the throne.
If you want to be immersed in a vivid and enchanting world, you have to pick up A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. This book is about a magician who can travel between parallel Londons, each with a completely different personality. The characters are so much fun to follow, and I wish I could keep following their adventures forever.
