The night circus by Erin Morgenstern - Book Review

Morgenstern’s debut novel is as magical as its plot suggests.

The night circus arrives without warning, moving one place to the next and appearing as if out of thin air, drawing in people from all walks of life, but behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway between Celia and Marco, who have been training to face each other their whole life.

Although they have little knowledge of how the competition will pan out, or how it will affect those around them, they eventually come to the realization that there can be only one winner, and in spite of falling head over heels for each other, there is nothing they can to stop the game from reaching its conclusion.

Morgenstern is a newcomer to the scene, but she writes with emotional maturity and a sense of reverence and appreciation for the things she knows nothing of.

Admittedly, for those who are used to a more straightforward style of writing, her prose can often be confusing, and at times off-putting, but it is still rich and seductive, luring people in much like the night circus itself did.

But the night circus isn’t simply about the magical, spellbinding circus, it’s about two star crossed lovers who’ve been denied normal lives in favor of participating in an ancient game and a slew of supporting characters who often steal the show including the young Bailey Clarke who takes a keen interest in the circus without knowing its true purpose.

Although it is a novel easily overlooked, Morgenstern seems to have a firm handle on the genre, and if this is her first novel then I think it’s safe to say we can expect tales that are just as enchanting and magical in the future.