Book Review | The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

05 April 2017

| goodreads |
I have never read a book more atmospheric than The Night Circus. I have never envisioned a world or characters as clearly as I did while reading this book. The way Erin Morgenstern expertly utilizes all of the senses in her writing is astonishing.

This book is deceptively labeled as a romance. When I first picked it up, I was expecting a magical, mystical romance novel. Honestly, I was uncertain whether I would really like it or not. I cannot emphasize how happy I am that did end up reading it, despite my skepticism. There is a romantic story arc woven into the plot, but it is much more minimal than I had expected initially going in.

This is a story that completely revolves around a circus. Le Cirque des Rêves is the heart and soul of this book, and it is what makes it such a special read. The author's writing is so descriptive and beautiful, and when I read it I get lost so easily within the world she has created.

I wish more than anything that the circus could be real, I want to explore the Ice Garden, the Cloud Maze, and the Labyrinth. I want to make a wish on the Wishing Tree, and, most importantly, I want to eat all of the delicious food.

The story surrounding the circus is also very intricate and detailed, jumping from different perspectives from different characters, and going back and forth in time until everything comes together beautifully at the end. The writing and plot can feel somewhat slow at times, but I hardly noticed since I was so enthralled.

I also fell completely in love with all of the characters. They were all very well balanced throughout the whole novel. There didn't seem to be any secondary characters as they were all vital to the circus. Isobel, Poppet and Widget, Chandresh, and Marco intrigued me the most. Celia, however, was the most difficult for me to like, even though she is technically the main character. I think this is because she keeps her feelings and emotions hidden away most of the time, making it harder for the reader to really get to know her. But it's part of her personality and who she is, so it was easy to get over, and I did eventually learn to like her.

Ever since I've finished this book, it has haunted me. Every time I think about it, I get this aching desire to read it again and again. The writing alone makes it worth the read, but it also has so many important and thought provoking themes such as sacrifice, love, wisdom, knowledge, and dedication, making it so much more than a simple romance or fantasy novel.

The Night Circus is most definitely a forever favorite for me, and I feel like I can never do it justice.
“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” 
― Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus

8 comments

  1. My thoughts exactyl! It's such a beautiful book. I wish the circus was real. Don't you love the black and white theme? It really felt like I was there inside the circus. Great review. :)

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    1. Yes! The black and white theme added so much to the feeling of the circus and made it so unique. I'm such a rêveur!

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  2. Wow! That quote is amazing! I'm adding it to my TBR list! Maybe I'll read it this summer, or after finals. I wish I didn't have so many books to read. If the rest of the book is like that quote, then I not surprised why you love this book so much.

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    1. There are so many quotable quotes in this book you have no idea! I really do hope you read it! :)

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  3. I wish I could take a walk through the circus, too! And meet Celia and Marco and Poppet! This book is so beautiful.

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