Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Night Circus; Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publication Year: Sept - 2011
Publisher: Doubleday
Edition: ARC
Source: publisher
Date Completed: 9/ 12/2011 
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: yes

Le Cirque des Reves, the Circus of Dreams, is not like any ordinary circus you've ever seen.  It's magical - full of illusions and everything mystical, and it happens only at night.  The story has a bit of mystery and a non-traditional romance mixed in with all of the magic, which makes for an unusual yet memorable read.

The story jumps around in time a bit, but for the most part takes place in the late 1800s early 1900s. It's a pretty simple story actually. Celia, was left at the age of 5 at the home of her biological father Prospero (the Enchanter), along with a suicide note from the girl's mother.  Prospero, early on notices his daughter's special magical qualities and begins grooming her with hours and hours of training, believing that some day she will be able to compete and win the circus competitions.  Alexander (the Man in the Gray Suit) is Prospero's nemesis. He goes to the orphanage and adopts young, Marco who he believes, for his own selfish interest,  is the perfect child to groom for competitions as well.

When Celia and Marco begin to compete, they are fabulous and the crowds love them. As the competitions continue they begin to fall in love, and magical and beautiful symbols of their love begin to appear. Yet despite the new beauty there is sadness. Little do either know that they are pawns in a game designed by the men who taught them. When one finally wins, the other must die. To say more would be to spoil the story for prospective readers.

Although I rarely read novels in the fantasy genre, I found this story amazing. It's so well written: very visual, very atmospheric and very magical.  I was amazed that this was a debut novel for Ms. Morgenstern; she will certainly be an author I plan to follow.  It was great to learn how the circus came to be, and I loved the way this novel made me feel after the final page was turned. The Night Circus is one novel that I will be talking about to those who love something just a tad different. Try it!

34 comments:

  1. ooooh i heard about this on NPR. sounds like it might be a good one!

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  2. I don't read much fantasy either, but the buzz on this one really has me excited.

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  3. Everyone is raving over this book but I wonder if I would like it... I'm not a big magic/mystism fan in books. If you have time, let me know if you think I might enjoy it (since we do like the same books).

    Great review!

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  4. Yet another positive review for this one. Can't wait to read it!

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  5. I don't think I have seen a single bad review of this book!

    Going to have to buy this one I think.

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  6. I am not the biggest fan of fantasy books either so I am thrilled to see you loved this one so much regardless! I am reading this one on vacation in a couple of weeks and can't wait!

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  7. I've been hearing about this book more and more. Yesterday I heard part of a radio interview about it. I'm glad you enjoyed this, because I'd like to read it as well.

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  8. One of those must have books! I am desperate for this one.

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  9. i loved this too, and as a rule not really into fantasy either.x

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  10. I like some fantasy novels - and this one sounds good. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  11. There is so much buzz surrounding this novel! I'm not much of a fantasy reader either, but I'm definitely intrigued.

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  12. I loved this one and thought the story was beautiful. There were some issues that I had with the book, but overall, it was a success for me. I am planning on doing a Q&A with Aarti on this one. Very nice and thoughtful review on this one, by the way!

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  13. I've been hearding folks claim that this is tne next Harry Potter, but I don't see it. Initially, I had no interest in it. However, I've been reading some great stuff about it so now I am hunting around for a copy. It was on Net Galley a while ago but it's not there now.

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  14. I cannot wait to read this one! Your review makes me more excited to read it.

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  15. I will be reading this soon and can't wait! I'm so glad to see you loved it.

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  16. This doesn't seem like a book I would normally pick up but the reviews for it have been phenomenal. Your review has me thinking I will have to give it a try. It reminds me a bit of Of Bees and Mist with it's magical atmosphere.

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  17. Ah, you were so lucky to get a review copy! I can't wait to get my hands on this one!

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  18. You make me want to pick this book up right now! I have it on my shelf, I just need time, ugh.

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  19. I have been saving this one and I think it's time I actually dive in. I don't read alot of fantasy, but I just love the sound of this one and I have not seen one bad review yet. Also, I'm a sucker for circus books :)

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  20. Could it be? That this book lives up to the hype? It appears to be so!

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  21. I can't wait to read this one. I'm glad to see it was a 5 star read for you. My copy arrived today and I'm going to put it at the top of the pile.

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  22. I am so glad you liked this because I am adding this to my wishlist :):)

    I love books like these :)

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  23. i'm surprised by all the hype this book is getting! i would of completely passed this book up if it wasn't for all the glowing reviews its been receiving.

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  24. My husband came home with a Starbucks "Pick of the Week" card and I got so excited when I saw this book was the pick! I was disappointed when I realized it was just a sample. I knew it was too good to be true, but still, I had hope.

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  25. I've been hearing all the buzz ,so glad you loved it. Makes me think I can safely add it to my wish list.

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  26. I'm almost afraid to read this one -- what if I don't love it as much as everyone else?! I've had few disappointments along those lines lately. Good to know you enjoyed it and I hope I will, too!

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  27. What an amazing review - dying to get my hands on this one. This will be the clincher for me now.

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  28. Wow, 5 star! I got this one in the mail a while back and hadn't picked it up because it didn't seem like something I would like. However the reviews, including yours, are just raving about it. I may have to pick it up.

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  29. I did NOT read your review (I have this one for review myself)- but looked at the rating .. it's definitely moving up on the review pile! :)

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  30. This one's definitely out of my reading comfort zone, but it's getting so much attention that it's a must-read for me...and I love that you enjoyed it!

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  31. I have yet to read a negative review for this novel. I hope it lives up to all the hype!

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  32. I'm hoping to read this one next. I'm so glad to hear you loved it despite being outside of what you might normally read!

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  33. So happy to see yet another 5/5 rating! I'm really looking forward it.

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