BOOK REVIEW: THE NIGHT CIRCUS

 

(The following review contains spoilers.)

Author: Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magical Realism

All the words in existence, associated with beauty, would pale in comparison to the magnificence of this book. I have never encountered anything so spellbinding in my entire life. I am utterly, irrevocably captivated by the prose. This book has touched me in a manner that feels almost transcendent, a tale woven with magic, rivalry, love, and sacrifice, alongside characters so peculiar, enigmatic, and irresistibly charming. The Night Circus whisked me away to a world so enchanting that, not only some of its characters but I, too, found myself detached from reality, lost in its otherworldly allure.

The story revolves around Prospero the Enchanter and Mr. A.H., two rivals bound by their opposing philosophies on magic. They pit their students against one another as unwitting proxies, with the competitors unaware of the true nature of the contest. This competition, however, ultimately proves to be a test of endurance, the one who survives will emerge as the victor. Fate takes a poignant turn when the two competitors succumb to the inexorable pull of destiny, falling hopelessly, irrevocably in love with one another. When they come to learn the tragic truth of the game’s ultimate conclusion, both are consumed by the desire to end their own lives in a bid to save the other. Yet, in the end, by the grace of magic, their souls are eternally bound to the circus, forever immortalizing their love in a realm beyond time.

This narrative is a veritable paradise of allegories. Every line, every description evokes a feeling so exquisite that I found myself entirely consumed by it, as if devouring a dream. This book breathes magic with every page. The way Celia finds solace in the Ice Garden, yearning for a closeness to Marco. The moment of revelation that strikes Marco when he witnesses Celia perform for the first time. The way their love transcends not only the rivalry between their mentors but also the constraints imposed by their lives. The connection they nurture and communicate through the magic that binds them, manifested in the Ice Garden, the carousel, the wishing tree, and more. Their resilience, even when faced with imminent peril, and their unwavering determination to protect each other above all else, speaks of a love profound and all-encompassing. The bonfire, the very soul of the circus, intertwined with the fates of Celia and Marco, illustrates that love is the lifeblood of the circus—the source of its enchantment, its very essence.

The circus itself is a peculiar creation, and that peculiarity is no accident. It is a place borne of ingenuity, the product of a group of conspirators, each a master in their craft. It is designed to invoke a sense of mystery while ensnaring its visitors in a spell of wonderment. 'Spellbound' is the word that best captures the sensation I experienced as I unraveled the circus's every secret. The words painted such vivid imagery that, upon finishing the book, it felt as though I had witnessed the circus in person, its wonders etched into my very soul.

The story also delves into the lives of several characters who play pivotal roles in the tale—Bailey, Tsukiko, Herr Thiessen, and the twins, Widget and Poppet. Bailey’s evolution from a hesitant, fragile child to a figure of responsibility and strength, vital for the survival of the circus and all those entwined within its magic, marks him as a beacon of courage and selflessness. His friendship with the twins, Widget and Poppet, is another heartwarming thread in this beautifully woven narrative. Herr Thiessen, too, plays a crucial role, for he is the creator of the infamous clock that marks the passage of time within the circus, as well as the founder of the rêveurs, a devoted group of circus enthusiasts. Tsukiko, the circus’s contortionist and former mentee of Mr. A.H., is a poignant figure, having lost the love of her life in the wake of the destructive rivalry between her mentor and Hector Bowen. Through her, themes of loss, longing, and heartbreak are explored with aching delicacy.

In conclusion, this book stands as one of the finest pieces of literature I have ever laid my eyes on. It is a dream, one that does justice to the name of the circus within the story, Le Cirque des Rêves (The Circus of Dreams). A tale where love defies fate and emerges victorious! A masterful blend of comfort, devastation, solace, and prose so magnificent that it leaves you breathless, awestruck, and irrevocably changed.