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A review by theincrediblehallk
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
5.0
This book is often described as having "no plot just vibes," something that seemed incredibly daunting to me as someone who needs a good plot and characters to really enjoy a book. However since reading the book myself, I disagree with these statements. This story does have a plot.
The plot is perhaps more subtle than other books you may have read. The book is, at its core, about two illusionists (like magicians) who are in a sort of trial against one another. Upon hearing this premise I immediately picture a YA style novel with a dual pov narrative between two magicians who are bound to fall in love. This is not at all the style of the novel. Instead it is written entirely from an almost third party perspective that delves into the happenings of multiple different characters when it suits the story best. On top of this the story jumps between past and future perspectives. Overall this creates an air of mystery about the story, but likely may also obscure the overall plot to some readers.
The writing is detailed, whimsical and fantastical, the vibes are strong and truly wondrous. But there is a plot. The plot is slow and unravelling. It leaves you with one puzzle piece at a time. Puzzle pieces that eventually begin to give you an idea of the overall picture. But it does not do this in a simple, chronological, or linear way. It feels brilliantly scattered, with the perspective narrator observing whoever tells the part of the story the best rather than one or two specific narrators. I think readers can get confused in this style of narrative, losing the plot amongst all of the time jumps, perspective jumps and superb detailing. However I found once I had finished the novel and navigated each aspect of the overall story the book is telling I could see the plot laid out in front of me with each puzzle piece in its right place.
I rated this 5 stars not just because I loved the atmosphere created, but because I loved the story it was telling as well. I loved the community of characters that all worked to keep the circus going. I loved that it took its time. I loved that it wasn't a frivolous magical love story (not to say those stories aren't also enjoyable), but a slow, thought provoking and enchanting story that filled you with wonderment.
If I had to hypothesise at why some people say there is no plot, I would perhaps guess it is because they are used to reading more simple and linear plots, perhaps YA plots, where it is maybe more fast paced and character based. The Night Circus is definitely more world building based than character based, But I think it is 100% plot based as well, as it lays out a beautifully crafted and thought out storyline that ties in so many unique ends, and wraps everything up so perfectly.
The plot is perhaps more subtle than other books you may have read. The book is, at its core, about two illusionists (like magicians) who are in a sort of trial against one another. Upon hearing this premise I immediately picture a YA style novel with a dual pov narrative between two magicians who are bound to fall in love. This is not at all the style of the novel. Instead it is written entirely from an almost third party perspective that delves into the happenings of multiple different characters when it suits the story best. On top of this the story jumps between past and future perspectives. Overall this creates an air of mystery about the story, but likely may also obscure the overall plot to some readers.
The writing is detailed, whimsical and fantastical, the vibes are strong and truly wondrous. But there is a plot. The plot is slow and unravelling. It leaves you with one puzzle piece at a time. Puzzle pieces that eventually begin to give you an idea of the overall picture. But it does not do this in a simple, chronological, or linear way. It feels brilliantly scattered, with the perspective narrator observing whoever tells the part of the story the best rather than one or two specific narrators. I think readers can get confused in this style of narrative, losing the plot amongst all of the time jumps, perspective jumps and superb detailing. However I found once I had finished the novel and navigated each aspect of the overall story the book is telling I could see the plot laid out in front of me with each puzzle piece in its right place.
I rated this 5 stars not just because I loved the atmosphere created, but because I loved the story it was telling as well. I loved the community of characters that all worked to keep the circus going. I loved that it took its time. I loved that it wasn't a frivolous magical love story (not to say those stories aren't also enjoyable), but a slow, thought provoking and enchanting story that filled you with wonderment.
If I had to hypothesise at why some people say there is no plot, I would perhaps guess it is because they are used to reading more simple and linear plots, perhaps YA plots, where it is maybe more fast paced and character based. The Night Circus is definitely more world building based than character based, But I think it is 100% plot based as well, as it lays out a beautifully crafted and thought out storyline that ties in so many unique ends, and wraps everything up so perfectly.