Lucy's Reviews > The Night Circus

5***** (and many more!!!!)

“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."

To say I loved this book is a complete understatement. This is phenomenal; the circus has ensnared me into its magical environment and I never want to leave.

Le Cirque des Rêves, suitably named The Circus of Dreams, arrives without warning- no notice precedes its arrival- however, once it is up and sighted, the anticipation from near and far cities, towns and villages builds, drawing patrons towards its black and white tents and the mysteries it beholds. As the dusk moves to night, the blackness is alight with tiny lights and the tents become aglow. Only then are visitors allowed to enter.

Centering this story are two people: Celia and Marco. Both have a knack for charms, magic and illusions. Both trained from a young age to be the best they can be for an unknown challenge against an unnamed opponent. Both are integral to the circus. But as they are pitted against one another, the circus, their magic and their feelings shape how they challenge each other. However, there can only be one winner.

While this story has a focus on Celia and Marco- the illusionists, Erin Morgenstern introduces a whole host of unique characters to the story and each of their own stories played out among the pages. This includes dedicated clock-makers, dreamers, enchanting contortionists and the delightful and insightful Murray twins- everyone brings their own form of magic to the table.

The lyrical prose, the dreams and descriptions of the circus was completely spell-binding. I was captured by the sights and smells of the circus: the beautiful ice garden, the labyrinth, the slow-moving statues, the wishing tree and the illusionists performances... all of it was magical and you could summon your imagination for these dazzling images. This story built up friendships and love, while also leaving a sense of tension and suspicion whilst reading. However, this never detracted from the magic of the book.

Erin Morgenstern has done something unique. She switches from second person prose in some parts, to third person prose in other parts and this works so well! To read from the second person prose meant that you, yourself, were invited to be a spectator in the circus.

That was a truly amazing reading experience filled with mystery, intrigue and curiosity; I never wanted to leave the circus. I'm already looking forward to a re-read in future.

(Also, as a side note- this book has inspired some brilliant art that I’ve been lost in on Pinterest! The artwork is stunning and I can’t help but scroll through)

“I would have written you, myself, if I could put down in words everything I want to say to you. A sea of ink would not be enough.' 'But you built me dreams instead.”