Author: Erin Morgenstern
Waterstones Synopsis: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. The black sign, painted in white letters that hangs upon the gates, reads: Opens at Nightfall Closes at Dawn. As the sun disappears beyond the horizon, all over the tents small lights begin to flicker, as though the entirety of the circus is covered in particularly bright fireflies. When the tents are all aglow, sparkling against the night sky, the sign appears. Le Cirque des Reves. The Circus of Dreams. Now the circus is open. Now you may enter.
Pages: 528
Published in the UK: May 2012
Shrouded in delicious mystery, romance and drama, 'The Night Circus' is a wonderfully imaginative book steeped in its own magical world, yet it speaks vividly to ours. Erin Morgenstern's beautifully elaborate passages describing the circus create equally compelling imagery, allowing the reader a truly immersive experience. This bewitching story knows no boundaries. Indeed, such descriptive prose certainly hints towards a degree of Romanticism, as it continuously turns to the notion that, in order to uncover the truth about the world of the circus, one must rely on the senses rather than rational thought.
The book follows multiple characters, and often changes perspectives. For such a narrative, this proves advantageous, as along with the countless surprises within the circus, we are also given an equal amount of colourful characters. Thus the overall pacing of the book proves deliriously entertaining, exploring both the slower intimate moments as well as those filled with magical feuds, quarrels and secrets. Above all however, this novel is pure escapism. Though it interweaves different stories, the general result is delightfully simple, reminiscent of the innocence found in children's literature. Nevertheless, there are dark moments, and times of struggle and heartache, but the ending of 'The Night Circus' is completely fitting, and above all, incredibly satisfying. The novel is a very well rounded, fleshed out piece of writing - this author clearly knows what she's doing. A highly original, thought provoking and sensational read, Morgenstern's debut is a great literary achievement, one that demands to be lapped up greedily in one sitting.
As you turn the final pages, you'll most likely feel as though you've been awakened from a dream, but you'll be yearning to sleep again once more.
