The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern, Doubleday, 2011, 512 pp
I was immediately attracted to The Night Circus when I first heard of it. I love books about magic and magicians. Then I began to read a ton of whiny reviews about how there was no plot and nothing ever happens and it was too slow and long.
Well, I was right in the first place. I loved it the way I loved The Little Princess and The Story of the Amulet when I was a child; the way I loved Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and The Magicians as an adult.
I took it with me on my vacation and it fit perfectly with the forests and snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta. It became a compliment to the beloved magical friend I stayed with, her house filled with paintings and rune rocks, her incredible creations in the kitchen, the big bed I slept in covered in a down quilt with tons of pillows.
I think this is a book for a certain kind of reader. One who loves old world beauty, who is easily captivated by illusion and the unseen, who secretly harbors a longing for the virtues that have gone missing in today's world.
Then there is the high risk game between Celia and Marco, their tragic pasts, the way they are constrained by that type of heartless person found only in the world of faerie. I am always intrigued by a love affair between two equally strong, able, and intelligent people who understand that love includes so many more factors than romance and lust.
If you are one of those readers, you will not be disappointed by The Night Circus.
(The Night Circus is available in various formats by order from Once Upon A Time Bookstore.)
You're right, Judy. This book is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI was curious to read your review since you said you were reading it on your vacation.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are in the Love The Night Circus club!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you loved it, too! It's such a beautiful story. I thought the pacing was perfect. It's not a modern, fast-paced, action packed thrill ride, it's a slow burning, old-fashioned love story that is magical and life altering for all those concerned.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne. I still get images in my mind that were created by Morgenstern's writing.
ReplyDeleteAw, I have this book in my 'to be read' pile! I think it is time to move it up as everyone keeps saying how lovely it is.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is.
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