Awhile back, I posted on my Facebook page that I was reading The Night Circus. There was a lot of feedback–some positive (LOVED it), some negative (HATED it), and some curious. So, I thought I’d give my own opinion of the book for those of you who haven’t given it a try yet.
Personally, I loved it. There are some books that just wrap you up like a cozy blanket and you never want to leave, and for me, this was one of them. The writing was descriptive without being too drawn out (I’m a skimmer, so if the descriptions are too long, I will gloss over and look for ACTIONS), and everything was just beautiful. This is a love story, but mixed in with the romance is magic, mystery, and a lot of fun.
A lot of people want to know what the book is about, and that is hard to describe. Yes, it’s about a circus that comes at night. A breathtaking perfection that is nothing like those stinky tent-filled things we associate with that word. The food is creative, the tents are beautiful, the atmosphere is electric and the acts are like nothing you’ve ever seen. But there is also a love story between two illusionists who are unwilling opponents in a very dangerous game.
And that is where the story becomes difficult to explain.
What is the competition? It’s a competition of magic, disguised as illusions. Both opponents are well trained in magic, but to the amazed spectators it is nothing but extremely skilled slight of hand. And the purpose of the circus is to provide a venue for each of them to display their skill so one may emerge victorious.
What is the point of the game? Honestly, I don’t know. And I know that sounds really weird. But reading the book didn’t make me feel like I was missing anything, or needed further explanation. It all just fit.
If you love fun and fluffy books, this is probably not for you. But if you’re a Harry Potter fan, I think you’ll truly enjoy it and I encourage you to pick it up.
Happy reading!!
I work in a library, and every time I’m there, I look at this book, and think sometime I need to check this out. I think tomorrow I will grab it!
I did not love this book. Disappointedly, it was one that I could put down and found it difficult to pick back up. I did not hate it though! It is just more fun to love reading a story and not want to put it down. Your description of the book was very accurate.
I enjoyed this book so much, but I didn’t love it. I almost loved it. I could’ve enjoyed slightly more action. I loved Celia and Marco sooooo much, and I think it was beautifully written, but it wasn’t one of my very favorites. Completely enjoyable to read, though, and I was happy that I did.
I like to listen to books on cd. Jim Dale was the narrator of this book on CD as he was on the Harry Potter books. I found it hard to follow by listening to it. If I had been reading it I think I would have enjoyed it more.
I loved this book. I agree with your description that it is hard to explain but makes sense after you are wrapped up into the lovely story.
@Christina Self: I read it and had trouble following it, so it’s probably not just the listening.
I, too, ALMOST loved this book. I found the time shifts ridiculously distracting, and while I completely understand why they were necessary to the story (because this is really not one that could be told in straight time), it got confusing.
And that said…planning on coming up with recipes for some of those fab treats at le Cirque des Reves? Because I could really do with some chocolate mice.
@ Andi– Good to know. I LOVE Jim Dale’s voice. He’s amazing on the Harry Potter books. If you ever watched the Disney Movie Pete’s Dragon, he’s the “doctor” that goes around on the cart selling “cures”.
I read the Night Circus and loved it. I am trying to get my daughter to read it too. This is one of those books, that I know I will read again, just see if I missed anything. LOVED IT! If a book makes me feel what is going on then it is a good book. If your not sure – read it again……. and if anyone makes some of those delicious treats – please share…….
I listened to the book, primarily because it was Jim Dale reading it. I love his audiobook recordings.
I don’t know if I would have absorbed as much detail of the Cirque des Reves if I had only read the book. I felt that the audiobook drew me in more.
I went back and tried it again and made sure to only listen when I could give my full attention and I finished it. I really am glad I gave it a second chance. So glad. I enjoyed it!!