Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Book review: The Night Circus

Once in a blue moon, there comes along a novel that sets the world on fire.

Not because it has a gimmick like vampires, sex, or zombies, but because it is genuinely dazzling.

Recently, that book has been The Night Circus.


The novel, by Erin Morgenstern, revolves around Le Cirque des RĂªves, an enchanting and spectacular circus that is only open at night. Front and center are Celia and Marco, two star-struck lovers entangled in a complex, mystical game. Surrounding them are colorful and lovable quirky characters whose fate rest in their hands.


I'm hesitant to say anything more about the plot. I feel like trying to describe the inner workings of a book that already paints it so perfectly would be an injustice.

It is one of those books you simply need to read. Allow the words, characters, and plot to envelope you with the turn of each page.


What astounds me the most is that The Night Circus is the debut novel for Erin Morgenstern, a Massachusetts-based artist. The book is so beautifully written, with such vivid details and descriptions, it seems like the work of someone who has been publishing novels for a long time.

When you read this book, you truly see, with stunning clarity, every color splashed before your eyes. You can practically smell the waft of caramel apples in the air and taste the mouth-watering chocolates on your tongue.


This isn't a book you can breeze through easily. Time goes back and forth. The plot is complex. Things are not what they seem. But those elements are what makes this book refreshing. It bends and twists and turns and flips your mind.

After researching the author, I was shocked to learn that this novel, which was written in 2005, was turned down by 30 literary agents before getting a bite. It proves that no matter how talented and brilliant you are as a writer, getting a book published really just comes down to pure luck. It was a reality that actually kind of depressed me. I mean, if this work of art received 30 rejections in five years, I guess that means the flimsy piece of crap I'm working on must be doomed. Sigh.


Anyway, I highly recommend this novel. Especially if you love Harry Potter and Jane Austen novels (magic and romance).

Have you read The Night Circus? Do you want to read it?

23 comments:

fashion-meets-art said...

sounds interesting.
lovely greets
maren anita

daniel wellington giveaway:
FASHION-MEETS-ART by Maren Anita

Sherin said...

This post is perfect timing. I was literally just trying to figure out what book to buy for my holiday. This one sounds epic (and I loved your last recommendation for the Chaperone) so I'll definitely try picking this one up.

sherene said...

Hmmm.

The Grande Dame said...

I'm so glad you reviewed this because its on my to-buy list. The title alone fascinated me. I hope I love it too.

Meri said...

this one has been on my library request for quite some time!

Unknown said...

Thanks for recommending it, I can't wait to find it (I highly doubt we have it in this crappy place so I'll probably have to order it) and read it :))

xx
Matea

The Dainty Dolls House said...

I shall look into this one for sure, sounds grand x

Couture Carrie said...

Sounds amazing!
Fab review, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Josie said...

This sounds like a really interesting read!
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Melanie said...

I've been haunted by this book ever since I think Jo at a A Cup of Jo read it...I see it everywhere...especially EVERY time I go to Target. I seriously need to the bite the bullet and read it! Your review gave me high hopes!! =)

Ergo - Blog

A BRIT GREEK said...

This is on my amazon list, haven't got it yet as I was umming and ahhing about it the last time and I had stacks of thing on my read list... but now you've confirmed it's a yay and not a nay.
x.o.x.o

Islandia Lane said...

my goal this year is to get back to reading more books - sounds like this will def be added to my list!

Unknown said...

Sounds just like magic Jenny, I will look for it and see if is in Spain yet, I am a huye fan of Jane Austen so I will love it!
Thank for the advice, and I'm sure the book you are working on it would be awesome just like the work you do here!
Believe in yourself!
Xxx

David Macaulay said...

sounds divine - yes am just getting round to the literary agent thing - not looking forward to it; hmm have neglected your blog for too long. Clearly

Amber Lucas A Mused Blog said...

Hmm...! This book sounds perfectly beautiful. I usually only read biographies, but I think I'll look it up on Goodreads! I'd love to check it out!

Amber

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I haven't read it, but I'm so getting it because it has all the elements I'm looking for. Thanks girl!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Nikosmommy said...

I loved this book when I read it last year!... the rest of my book club?...Not so much. They thought it just got a little bit too much to wrap your mind around. People seem to be on the fence about this story.
I thought it was inventive, creative and so different!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Yes, yes, yes! I am so glad that you featured The Night Circus here, Jennifer. Despite the fact that I read it at the very end of 2012, I have named it my favorite read of the year. It was just exquisite. I cannot wait what to see what Erin releases next! :)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I've been hearing mixed reviews about this book for a while now, so I've been hesitant to buy it. But, you've convinced me! I'm adding this to my reading list! :)

Jane Gilheaney said...

Hi Jennifer I was recently drawn to the title and description of this book and borrowed if from my sister only to be put off by the terrible online reviews!! You've renewed my initial feeling for it so will definitely give it a whirl now : ))

Pooja P said...

Thank you sooooo much for suggesting this wonderful book. I have started reading it and find that I'm unable to put it down!! Love your blog too..

fabulousjunk said...

Been wanting to read this for a bit now... such a long wait at the library! (yes I'm cheap like that), It also makes me realize how much crap is out there that gets published. I read somethings and I think, I could have written something like this! Hey you never know... just keep on writing.

xoxo
becks
http://fabulous-junk.blogspot.com

Amber said...

Read it on a road trip to Colorado - actually my hubby and I took turns reading out loud to each other because we both wanted to read it but didn't want to wait for the other to finish. Loved it. I hope when they make a movie out of it they really, really do it justice. It could be visually stunning if done right.