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cicizzy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I really liked the original story.
Listening to the audio book version it was a bit difficult to keep up with the time jumps.
It’s not something I would have usually read so it was a bit out of my comfort zone.
Listening to the audio book version it was a bit difficult to keep up with the time jumps.
It’s not something I would have usually read so it was a bit out of my comfort zone.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Murder
yasaman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder
paigeteeman's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Someone needs to tell those tales. When the battles are fought and won and lost, when the pirates find their treasures and the dragons eat their foes for breakfast with a nice cup of Lapsang souchong, someone needs to tell their bits of overlapping narrative. There's magic in that. It's in the listener, and for each and every ear it will be different, and it will affect them in ways they can never predict. From the mundane to the profound. You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift. Your sister may be able to see the future, but you yourself can shape it, boy. Do not forget that... there are many kinds of magic, after all.
General Thoughts
For context, I've been in a long reading slump and this is one of the first novels I've finished in a long time. I don't think this was the novel to break a reading slump because of its slow pace as there were a number of times I set the book down for months and didn't pick it back up. If you're looking for a novel that transports you to a world of magical realism that leaves you wanting more and satisfied with its conclusion at the same time, this is the novel for you.
Favorite Moments
This novel had so many good moments. I absolutely loved the detail in which Morgenstern goes into the different tents of the circus. One of my favorite parts was following Bailey's perspective as he discovers the circus for the first time, and returns years later. Bailey's perspective, in a way, is the reader's perspective on the circus. As he experiences each tent for the first time, so do we. However, I think my absolute favorite part is the ending, when everything is revealed. After the competition ends, we find out more information about its origin and have an opportunity to contemplate on the bigger themes of the story and life with some of the characters. The ending was reflective and eloquently wrapped up such a complex tale, that it's hard to top.
Plot & Pacing
The plot is a bit convoluted by time jumps and revolving character perspectives at times, and can be hard to discern a timeline. The plot is so interconnected and winding that I believe this is a novel that will be better on the second read, as you have additional context and can pick up on the subtle foreshadowing moments throughout the novel. Despite this, the story is entirely compelling, drawing you in as you try to understand what is going on, and the weaving plot adds to the whimsical nature of the story.
Setting & Worldbuilding
The winding nature of the story and Morgenstern's whimsical writing style truly mirrors the nature of the circus and places the reader directly in the setting. Throughout the novel, she embeds short vignettes in 2nd person POV, walking you through the circus and its tents as if you were experiencing it for yourself. The tangibility of the circus is palpable throughout the novel, as if you can smell the scents of the circus and taste the flavors of the food. Morgenstern's worldbuilding is complete with a diverse cast of characters that make up the performers, a loyal following of circus patrons known as the Reveurs, and a magic system that seems entirely convoluted until the end, which adds to the mystical nature of the plot.
Characters
This novel has a diverse range of side characters that offer different perspectives on the circus. Most are unaware of the competition even taking place, and serve as a playing pieces in the game, waiting for the competitors to make their next move. Some of my favorites were Poppet, Widget, and Bailey, who bring a childlike perspective of the circus as they discover its secrets with time. Tsukiko and Madame Padva were fun, quirky characters that really lightened the plot. This novel is not short on characters to fall in love with.
Celia and Marco, our main characters are juxtaposed from the beginning of the novel, training under vastly different circumstances. Celia has a natural talent for magic, or manipulation as it’s often referred, and studied under the abusive practices and limelight of her father, who is a famous magician. Marco is a learned magician, trained in isolation through lectures by his instructor, who serves as a father figure. Their budding romance is a slow burn that doesn't truly pick up until halfway through the novel, however its implication on the circus and the competition is one to capture your attention.
Originality & Writing Style
Morgenstern's writing is truly magical and transports you into the book with the characters. I personally think this novel will be analyzed by literary scholars in the future, if it’s not already. The complex nature of her storytelling offers excellent opportunities to deconstruct and analyze the novel, drawing conclusions about human nature. The concept of the circus as a venue for this convoluted competition is like nothing I’ve read before and truly made this novel more mystical and mysterious.
Overall Enjoyment & Emotional Impact
Overall, I loved this novel. I'm giving this 4.5 stars, only because I think it will be better on the second read. I'm honestly frustrated that it took me so long to finish reading this novel because the ending is eye-opening. As I progressed further in the novel, I was captivated by the mystery of the circus and the competition. You're left in a state of confusion, similar to the characters throughout most of the novel until the ending when all questions are answered. It's one of those novels where you can't predict how it will end and it will leave you thinking about it for days after finishing the book.
For context, I've been in a long reading slump and this is one of the first novels I've finished in a long time. I don't think this was the novel to break a reading slump because of its slow pace as there were a number of times I set the book down for months and didn't pick it back up. If you're looking for a novel that transports you to a world of magical realism that leaves you wanting more and satisfied with its conclusion at the same time, this is the novel for you.
Favorite Moments
This novel had so many good moments. I absolutely loved the detail in which Morgenstern goes into the different tents of the circus. One of my favorite parts was following Bailey's perspective as he discovers the circus for the first time, and returns years later. Bailey's perspective, in a way, is the reader's perspective on the circus. As he experiences each tent for the first time, so do we. However, I think my absolute favorite part is the ending, when everything is revealed. After the competition ends, we find out more information about its origin and have an opportunity to contemplate on the bigger themes of the story and life with some of the characters. The ending was reflective and eloquently wrapped up such a complex tale, that it's hard to top.
Plot & Pacing
The plot is a bit convoluted by time jumps and revolving character perspectives at times, and can be hard to discern a timeline. The plot is so interconnected and winding that I believe this is a novel that will be better on the second read, as you have additional context and can pick up on the subtle foreshadowing moments throughout the novel. Despite this, the story is entirely compelling, drawing you in as you try to understand what is going on, and the weaving plot adds to the whimsical nature of the story.
Setting & Worldbuilding
The winding nature of the story and Morgenstern's whimsical writing style truly mirrors the nature of the circus and places the reader directly in the setting. Throughout the novel, she embeds short vignettes in 2nd person POV, walking you through the circus and its tents as if you were experiencing it for yourself. The tangibility of the circus is palpable throughout the novel, as if you can smell the scents of the circus and taste the flavors of the food. Morgenstern's worldbuilding is complete with a diverse cast of characters that make up the performers, a loyal following of circus patrons known as the Reveurs, and a magic system that seems entirely convoluted until the end, which adds to the mystical nature of the plot.
Characters
This novel has a diverse range of side characters that offer different perspectives on the circus. Most are unaware of the competition even taking place, and serve as a playing pieces in the game, waiting for the competitors to make their next move. Some of my favorites were Poppet, Widget, and Bailey, who bring a childlike perspective of the circus as they discover its secrets with time. Tsukiko and Madame Padva were fun, quirky characters that really lightened the plot. This novel is not short on characters to fall in love with.
Celia and Marco, our main characters are juxtaposed from the beginning of the novel, training under vastly different circumstances. Celia has a natural talent for magic, or manipulation as it’s often referred, and studied under the abusive practices and limelight of her father, who is a famous magician. Marco is a learned magician, trained in isolation through lectures by his instructor, who serves as a father figure. Their budding romance is a slow burn that doesn't truly pick up until halfway through the novel, however its implication on the circus and the competition is one to capture your attention.
Originality & Writing Style
Morgenstern's writing is truly magical and transports you into the book with the characters. I personally think this novel will be analyzed by literary scholars in the future, if it’s not already. The complex nature of her storytelling offers excellent opportunities to deconstruct and analyze the novel, drawing conclusions about human nature. The concept of the circus as a venue for this convoluted competition is like nothing I’ve read before and truly made this novel more mystical and mysterious.
Overall Enjoyment & Emotional Impact
Overall, I loved this novel. I'm giving this 4.5 stars, only because I think it will be better on the second read. I'm honestly frustrated that it took me so long to finish reading this novel because the ending is eye-opening. As I progressed further in the novel, I was captivated by the mystery of the circus and the competition. You're left in a state of confusion, similar to the characters throughout most of the novel until the ending when all questions are answered. It's one of those novels where you can't predict how it will end and it will leave you thinking about it for days after finishing the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Violence
Moderate: Suicide and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content and Murder
annakh16's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
And there are never really endings, happy or otherwise.
Another unique and comforting book from Erin Morgenstern.
The author manages to make characters come alive in often short amounts of text. The kids (Bailey & the Murray twins) were easily my favourite. Unfortunately, this holds true for all but the protagonists. I think Celia and Marco were somewhat underdeveloped and there is more telling than showing when it comes to the feelings they have for each other. This means the romance fell flat for me.
The vibes however were immaculate as usual. I do prefer the “stories about stories” setting we got from The Starless Sea to the “one magical place” idea here, but I suspect it’s because I lack the intricate visual imagination skills. That said, I would kill for an audio book of this read by the same people who read The Starless Sea! I think this might generally be better on audio and I might return to it that way when I have slightly more brain space.
This is not magic. This is the way the world is, only very few people take the time to stop and note it. (…) Not a one of them even has an inkling of the things that are possible in this world, and what’s worse is that none of them would listen if you attempted to enlighten them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Murder
mysteryharvey's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This book is gorgeous and an absolutely breathtaking twist on the circus. It follows two young people being brought up and raised for a challenge neither can comprehend. This book 100% has a plot but it is a bit tricky in the beginning. The book is not linear nor does it stick to one perspective but the characters and the premise and the beautiful descriptions keep you so hooked that you can figure out the book fairly easily. Also if you are looking for an audiobook, it is read by Jim Dale (reader of the Harry Potter books and narrator of pushing daises) and he does an excellent job of keeping this huge cast of characters clear.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, and Murder
Every trigger warning out under this is very brief like the most you’ll hear about any of these topics is maybe 4 lines in a couple chapters. For explicit abuse,mdwsn27's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Infidelity, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
bexi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I loved the experience of reading this. It was so atmospheric and relaxing. However, I often found it hard to folllow because of the back and forth POVs and timelines. I also did myself the disservice of switching between the audio and digital versions willy nilly, which didn't help the matter. But in my defense I've been struggling to physically read this year (not in a good head space), so the audiobook was very helpful in actually finishing the book. Plus it's narrated by Jim Dale, my favorite audiobook narrator, so how could I resist?
My point is that I'm not entirely sure what I read and I definitely missed some things, but the experience was lovely despite any confusion. 😅 I'd like to reread this, in just one format, when my mind isn't gobbledygook. 🙈
My point is that I'm not entirely sure what I read and I definitely missed some things, but the experience was lovely despite any confusion. 😅 I'd like to reread this, in just one format, when my mind isn't gobbledygook. 🙈
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty and Suicide
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
laurenexploresbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a whimsical, dark, and delightful story of obligation, love, abd community with the creative and magical Night Circus as the backdrop.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
reghan_32's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
A lot of confusion but so worth it at the end 😌
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Suicide, and Murder