Chocolate mice. Cinnamon pastries. A cloud maze to explore. These are only some of the exciting treats waiting for you in The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. After reading the sober, but worthwhile, Unbroken, I couldn’t wait to devour every fantastical page of Morgenstern’s wonderful story. Great for reading, very bad for getting adequate rest!
Here’s the premise: near the turn of the 20thcentury, two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are chosen by their masters to compete in a challenge staged at The Night Circus. At the onset, Celia and Marco don’t know the rules of the game, but as “play” progresses, they realize two important things. First, many people’s lives have been affected by their challenge, and, second, they have fallen in love. Unfortunately, they do not know until it is almost too late that the game must end with only one survivor.
Morgenstern’s narrative jumps around in time, which reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife, another favorite of mine. It’s different and a little confusing, but mirrors the disorientation visitors feel when they enter The Night Circus. Instead of presenting acts to seated observers, The Night Circus invites patrons to wander the concentric paths around its tents, allowing them to choose what they would like to see, yet at the same time manipulating their perceptions.
Like those patrons, we as readers see many different perspectives on the circus and the game, and Morgenstern invites us to determine what is real and who to trust. Ironically, everything in The Night Circus, from the costumes to the tents to the food, is either black or white, suggesting simplicity and clarity. Yet, in this color scheme, the circus achieves its biggest illusion.
The Night Circuscloses with an interesting commentary on the nature of stories. A character complains that modern tales no longer have clear winners and losers, or heroes and villains. The notions of good and evil have evolved into a complicated web that readers cannot easily untangle. Ultimately, truth is determined by perspective.
Do you agree? Have stories in modern literature gotten more complicated, or can we still find and enjoy straightforward tales of good versus evil? Does the much loved Harry Potter series fit neatly into the format of good versus evil, or does it allow for some gray? (think Professor Snape)
I enjoy a book that challenges me to think, even if I have to flip back and forth between pages and reread certain passages to pick up important clues. (Note: Do NOT read this on an eReader!) This book has so much fun and mystery, I would like to read it again. It’s an excellent example of a novel that uses setting to compliment its plot.
Please click on the comments button below to add your thoughts about The Night Circus or the nature of stories. Thanks for stopping by!
PS: For our book club meeting, I made these delicious strawberries that follow the color scheme of The Night Circus. Here’s the recipe for Tuxedoed Strawberries. Special thanks to Crystal for helping me brainstorm the idea!
Julia
I read and absolutely loved this book two years ago and just started to listen to the audiobook (some audiobooks are great, but this one is not. I believe that this needs to be read/narrated by a woman and not a man).
This morning I stumbled across some vocab from that book and was researching it. This is how I came across this site.
I like how you build up the word nerd facts from actual literature. That is way less artificial as many other sites, which just throw out a weird word and some examples along with it. Leaving the reader wondering, if that word is really ever used.
Good work, keep on.
A fellow Rêveur :o)
Thanks for the compliments, and I’m glad you like my word nerd style! Thanks also for the tip on The Night Circus audiobook.
This sounds like it would be a fun read! Your description has me chomping at the bit to check it out! Thanks! (And ps–those strawberries? *drool*)
Great! I’m glad you liked it, and I do think you should check out the book AND the strawberries. They are very easy to make (except for piping on the buttons and bow ties – that takes some patience!)
Oh my gosh, those strawberries are ADORABLE! I’d feel guilty eating one!!
I’m with you on books that make you think. I don’t need to be spoon fed everything
Have a fun weekend!
Thanks Susan! They taste great too! No need to feel guilty!