When the year started, one of my resolutions was to read more. To kickstart it I joined the blogchatter secret Santa and hoped for an interesting book. As luck would have it, I received the book a little late as I was traveling and the neighbor to collected the book on my behalf forgot to give it! So finally when I actually opened the packaging it was mid-Jan!
Cutting long story short, I started reading the book late, then the COVID happened and my world went for a toss. It is only since last month that I have got back to reading paperbacks. The book my secret Santa sent was the first book that I finished reading and I absolutely loved it! So here is my review of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern; a book from the fantasy genre.
Book – The Night Circus
Author – Erin Morgenstern
Book Blurb
The circus arrives without warning, no announcements precede it…. It is simply there when yesterday it was not..
My Review
First of all, a big thank you to Shreeya Sharma, my secret Santa who sent me this lovely book. I hadn’t read any books from Erin so that itself was a revelation to me and second, I am not much into the fantasy genre, so this was a refreshing change from the regular books that I would pick up.
The book is enchanting and intensely imaginative while carrying melancholy undertones. The story spans nearly 59 years and is a magical journey from the word go. It talks about illusions, magical talent, love, longing, sorrow, and competition. The writing is elaborate and descriptive where the circus is actually recreated in your mind’s eye. It is evocative and you feel as if it was written for a movie adaptation.
The concept of the night circus is brilliant. A circus that is in black and white and opens only at night. It offers its visitors a slice of fantasy and unbridled joy, something that helps the patrons escape the mundane. There are flying acrobats, illusionists, contortionists, and agile cat shows. But along with it there are paper animals, memory jars, ice garden, and magical mirrors. The circus holds a lot of secrets and hidden behind all the mirth and magic is a fierce competition.
The story is about Celia and Marcus who are trained and tied to a competition since they were children. The competition arena is the Night Circus. An elaborate canvas in black and white that is a unique world in itself. The two magicians are expected to showcase their skills and enchant the audience while challenging the other; the catch however is that they do not know their competitor and nor do they know the rules of the game! It is a competition that they were sucked into without their explicit permission and a burden that they need to endure until a winner is declared. But how and when will it be? What will be the price that they will have to pay?
While the competition is between the master magicians with Celia and Marcus as their prized pawns the stakes grow higher as time passes and more lives get entwined.
The author has matured the characters so well that you can feel their joy and misery. It is a story about love where sparks fly the moment they are close and endurance of pain and longing for the greater good. The writing is lucid and highly evocative when it comes to describing the circus. The book leaves you with some remarkable life lessons, one being everything has a price.
Would highly recommend and I am checking out the other books by Erin Morgenstern.
I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter #MyFriendAlexa
This looks like an interesting read. Reading so many book reviews here, I am sure to add a few to my collection.
I really am intrigued to try this book out. I love such storylines. Thanks for the recommendation.
The book sounds magical. That’s a nice detailed review.
You really seem to have enjoyed the book. I am definitely reading it the next as this is the first time I have come crossed the concept of a night circus.
Sounds like an intriguing book. Love the cover and premise already. Thanks for the recco, Neha!
This book has been on my TBR for the longest time! I am completely fascinated by the plot nad the promise of this story as clearly brought forth in your review 🙂
Shreeya was an amazing Santa to you!
Such a well-crafted review. The plot has so much enigma and you bring that out so beautifully.
I haven’t read any books by Erin Morgenstern. This is surely a nice book. I will add it to my TBR. Thanks for introducing to a new author.
The title of the book caught me.. I think I would like to read this book. Thank you for reviewing this book
Been reading rave reviews for this one.
I have read this book and had loved it too.
Haven’t heard about night circus and it’s been long since I ready anything on fantasy.. So will definitely give it a read.. Your review has created interest thanks
a lot for sharing.
Seems very interesting. I’ll try grabbing a copy. I’m currently reading the djinn patrol. It’s a slow moving book.
The Night Circus and The Starless Sea have been on my TBR for a while. Enjoyed reading your review and it has prompted me to go pick them up next.
Looks like a promising read. Adding to my TBR #tmmreads
Secret Santa was a fun activity of Blogchatter. This book concept is so new , shall add in my TBR after your splendid review.
This is one of my favourite books of all time! I love the magical world that she transports you to!
I actually have this book and haven’t gotten around to reading it.
I’m not into fantasy either, but this one sounds enchanting.
I have read and seen a lot of book bloggers recommending this book a lot and this review just pushes me more to buy it asap. Fantasy is all for me and I would love to read this one soon. Thanks for sharing this review.
This book looks like a great read. Gonna grab a copy asap..
Enjoyed reading your review. I love fantasy fiction, I am adding this book to my TBR!
Sounds like a good read, your review is interesting, Neha, shall check this out.
The book story spans 59 years? That’ so interesting.