16 Jan Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I picked up The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern after a friend couldn’t stop raving about its magical realism and enchanting narrative. Plus, the idea of a mysterious circus that only operates at night? Count me in. I read it over a couple of weeks, mostly during my evening unwinding time, letting the whimsical world of Le Cirque des Rêves be the perfect escape from daily routines.

What’s it about?

Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Night Circus introduces us to Le Cirque des Rêves—a magical traveling circus that arrives without warning and is only open from dusk till dawn. Within its black-and-white striped tents lie wonders beyond imagination: an ice garden, a wishing tree, and a cloud maze, to name a few. Unbeknownst to its patrons, the circus serves as the venue for a high-stakes competition between two young illusionists, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair.

Bound into this challenge by their mentors from a young age, Celia and Marco are trained extensively in the arts of magic. Celia, the daughter of the renowned magician Prospero the Enchanter, possesses innate abilities that she hones under her father’s strict and often harsh guidance. Marco, an orphan, is adopted by the enigmatic Mr. Alexander H., known as the man in the grey suit, who educates him in the more theoretical aspects of magic, emphasizing the power of the mind.

The rules of the competition are deliberately vague, with neither contestant fully understanding the parameters or the ultimate goal. Their battleground is the circus itself, with each illusionist creating fantastical attractions to outshine the other. As the years pass, the circus evolves into a breathtaking spectacle, enchanting audiences worldwide. However, the prolonged nature of the competition begins to take its toll on those connected to the circus, including performers and patrons, who are unwittingly bound by the magical constructs sustaining it.

As Celia and Marco continue to create increasingly elaborate displays, they eventually discover each other’s identities and, against the expectations of their mentors, fall deeply in love. This unforeseen development complicates the competition, as the challenge is designed to continue until one participant is unable to continue, which would result in their death. Determined to find a way to be together without causing harm to the circus or its inhabitants, Celia and Marco seek a solution to end the challenge without the expected tragic outcome.

In a climactic turn of events, they devise a plan to remove themselves from the physical realm, thus ending the competition while preserving the circus and its participants. Their love and sacrifice transform them into eternal guardians of the circus, existing in a state beyond the corporeal world. The responsibility of managing the circus then falls to the next generation, notably Bailey Clarke, a devoted circus aficionado, who is entrusted with maintaining the magical legacy of Le Cirque des Rêves.

Throughout the novel, themes of destiny, free will, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion are intricately explored, set against a backdrop of enchanting imagery and a richly woven narrative that captivates the reader’s imagination.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into The Night Circus was like stepping into a dreamscape—Morgenstern’s prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the circus’s wonders. The nonlinear narrative, while initially a bit disorienting, added to the mystical quality of the story, weaving together various timelines and perspectives seamlessly. The romance between Celia and Marco, though central to the plot, felt organic and was beautifully understated, allowing the magic of the circus to take center stage.

However, some aspects left me wanting more. Certain secondary characters, while intriguing, weren’t as fully developed as I had hoped, leaving me curious about their backstories and motivations. Additionally, the ambiguous nature of the competition’s rules and the mentors’ intentions could be frustrating at times, as I found myself craving clearer explanations. Despite these minor qualms, the novel’s enchanting atmosphere and imaginative storytelling kept me thoroughly engaged.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Night Circus is a mesmerizing tale that transports readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine. While it has its imperfections, the novel’s enchanting setting and lyrical prose make it a captivating read. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke – A richly detailed historical fantasy exploring the revival of English magic through the complex relationship between two magicians.
• The Prestige by Christopher Priest – A tale of rivalry between two illusionists in the late 19th century, delving into themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the blurred line between reality and illusion.
• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern – Morgenstern’s second novel, offering a labyrinthine narrative filled with magical realism, secret societies, and the power of storytelling.