A review by filipacmiranda
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

4.0

If my analyses of The Night Circus focused exclusively on its main storyline (the competition between the main characters in and outside the circus), it would get a lower rating. Out of all the aspects of the story, the competition is the one that less matched my expectations. It was always poorly defined and developing in the background. Despite believing this was intentional, it also made me feel less invested and care less about the outcome. The only reason I paid attention to this aspect of the story was to try to predict what the characters’ futures held. 
 
On the other hand, I consider this book to mainly be about circus life and how the relationships between the characters came to be. In that sense, it is undoubtedly stunning… The writing is highly descriptive and engaging, one of the strengths of this narrative. I was fascinated by the parts in which Morgenstern assumes the reader’s perspective and describes the spaces and tents that compose Le Cirque des Rêves. 
 
Finally, the fact that the story is told in two distinct timelines adds some suspense and works as an engine for the plot’s appeal. It generates expectation as the reader gathers the bits and pieces that allow them to understand how the story ends.
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