Latest Read: The Night Circus

Here are the basics ...
Book: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Bloghttp://erinmorgenstern.com/blog/
Category: Fiction 




My thoughts ...
One sentence summary: Behind the scenes of the circus, Le Cirque des Rêves, is a duel between two young magicians - Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood to participate in this game.

The good:
I don't know why but I'm finding it a little hard to describe what it is I liked about the book (not a good sign, I know).  Truthfully, there were a handful of things that I enjoyed.  First and foremost, the circus - which was so vividly described that I wished it were real.  Secondly, the main characters and eventual relationship between Celia and Marco.  It was a slow burn (a little too slow!) but once their story took center stage, that's what really interested me.  And lastly, the other characters (who I can't all name without giving too much away).  

The bad:  
The book started off way too slow and the pace continued to be really slow for the majority of the book.  As much as I appreciated the detail of the circus, for me it was the characters Celia and Marco - as individuals, pawns in this duel of magic and later as lovers - that I felt was the most important.  And I don't think the author spent enough time exploring that.  Instead she had all these other subplots going on which didn't feel connected to the overall story until later (and even then, I could've done without them).  

Do I recommend?:
I'd have to say.. maybe.  While I loved the premise, I don't think it was executed as well as it could have been.  However, if you like really descriptive prose over a fast-paced plot or "action", then you'd probably enjoy this. But it wasn't for me.  

Happy reading!

5 comments

  1. I almost bought this book today! And then I remembered this review haha Thanks for saving me the $ and irritation.

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  2. I finally finished the book and I totally agree with your review. Loved the elaborate descriptions of the circus and the short descriptive transitions she used throughout the story but yes, the pace was way too slow and the final conclusion was somewhat of a disappointment =(

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    Replies
    1. I was disappointed with the ending too! After all that super slow build up, I was expecting much more for an ending.

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  3. There are times when I actually enjoy books chock-full of descriptive passages. Guess I should save this book for that moment!

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with love,

Rachel