Book Club - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

“The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.” 

Since I have been reading more recently I thought I would do a review of the books that I particularly like. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern definitely makes it onto that list! I love books that transport you to magical worlds, and this book does just that. However, The Night Circus is based in our own world in the late 1800's and the magic therein is only known by some!

“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 that they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” 

It is essentially a love story, but rather a complicated one. Not that this is a bad thing, I actually enjoyed this attention to detail very much! Before we are introduced to the love story, we are introduced to a magical competition, or a game if you like. The Circus is to be the setting of that game. 

“Life takes us to unexpected places sometimes. The future is never set in stone, remember that.” 

The characters in this book are complex, but ultimately very likeable. The Circus itself is really the biggest character in the book. Through Morgenstern's words we can smell it, taste it , and see the muted colour in all its glory. We are given delightful insights into the magic inside some of the tents. I loved hearing what was in each tent, and actually, although in the book they are made using magic, I would love to see them re-created in real life. The cloud maze, the ice garden, the labyrinth, the pool of tears, all are even more magical than they sound. One of my favourites was The Wishing Tree, where candles are lit to make a wish, and one wish is used to light another. Widgets tent was my absolute favourite, where whole experiences were kept in jars and bottles and boxes, ready to delight whoever is to open it!

“I made a wish on this tree years ago," Marco says."What did you wish for?" Bailey asks. Marco leans forward and whispers in Bailey's ear. "I wished for her."

This book absolutely enchanted me. I wish they would make a movie of it, although I am sure they could not capture the essence of the Circus as well as Morgenstern has done with her words. Or better still, can someone actually make the circus itself please? It's a goodie, you must read it if you get the chance! Its also a proper bargain on Amazon at the moment.  This is actually Morgenstern's first book, so I am really excited to see what she does next!

Currently I'm reading 'Life of Pi', but I would love to hear your suggestions of what I should read next!

Laura xXx