What is the circus without a little mystery?

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. • "Part love story, part fable ... defies both genres and expectations." —The Boston Globe

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.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.”

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Published in 2011387–533 pages

Book Review by Mariah V

I came across this book while scrolling through Facebook when someone posted about it and praised it as a must-read. Now, me,someone who once tried to train and join the circus at one point in my life,was immediately intrigued. Yes, like most kids, I wanted to run away and join the circus. I used to do it all: I juggled, ate fire, and even became an aerialist. I was actually pretty good, but life took a turn and I had to let go of that dream,and the magic that came with it. So when I stumbled across this book, I figured it was perfect for me, especially since I’ve been missing the magic of the circus.

Reading The Night Circus, I was instantly drawn into the mystery of a circus that only appears at night. I found it fascinating that this black-and-white circus would suddenly appear out of nowhere,no warning, no explanation. It’s called Le Cirque des Rêves (The Circus of Dreams), and there’s something about its dark, mysterious atmosphere that made it the perfect read for a cloudy, rain-filled day.

I found this to be a pleasant read, though a bit slower-paced than what I’m used to. Still, there were several elements and characters I truly enjoyed. My two favorite characters were the twins born on opening night of the circus: Penelope “Poppet” Murray and her brother Winston “Widget” Murray. I found them incredibly amusing and they really kept the story alive for me. Poppet can see into the future, and Widget can see into the past. They’re peculiar in the best way, and as the only children who truly live within the circus, they know all its ins and outs. They’re whimsical, empathetic, and deeply in tune with both the circus and the universe around them. Anytime they appeared in the story, I was instantly intrigued.

Their characters alone could carry their own story,especially when you consider how their journey connects with Bailey Clarke, a young boy who falls deeply in love with the circus. Bailey’s storyline was beautifully written. His father had plans for him to take over the family farm, while his sister didn’t appreciate him at all. She was miserable, and honestly, needed a little magic in her life too. I was genuinely impressed with Bailey’s choices in the end. He was the character I related to the most. Like him, I fell in love with the circus and understand what it feels like to choose between what you truly want and what others expect of you. Bailey chose happiness, and I loved that for him. If the twins and Bailey ever got a spin-off, I would absolutely read it.

Celia Bowen was another character I truly enjoyed. Her ability to manipulate reality was fascinating. Even though she was trained by her father for a magical competition, I saw her as the strongest performer and competitor in the circus. I loved how the author described her abilities in such vivid detail, as well as the emotional challenges she faced. She wanted to prove,to her late father and to herself,that she was just as powerful, if not more. I’m glad she was able to find peace and love in the end through her magic.

Her competitor, Marco Alisdair, was… a bit mid to me. Yes, he was smart and gifted, but whenever his chapters came up, I found myself skimming. He was interesting, but not as exciting. That said, I do think he was very compatible with Celia. I just didn’t fully buy him as strong competition for her. While he was a magical prodigy, Celia felt more powerful to me,and I think the ending proved that.

Both Celia and Marco had difficult upbringings, trained harshly for a competition they didn’t choose, placed on paths designed by others. They were meant to destroy each other, but instead, they were destined for something entirely different. Honestly, everyone in The Night Circus felt like they were on a path that led somewhere unexpected.

The circus itself is filled with mystery, but what truly keeps it alive are the secrets each character holds. From Tsukiko, the contortionist with a deeper connection to the competition, to Isobel, the tarot reader who is deeply in love with Marco,everyone plays a role, and everyone carries some kind of magic that fuels the circus.

I really enjoyed the variety of characters and their unique abilities. Each one brought something whimsical and magical to the story, even when there was darkness woven in. I especially appreciated the level of detail in the plot,from the emotional expressions of the characters to the descriptions of their costumes, and even the shift in tone as the story moved toward its ending. It truly felt like an enchanting adventure uncovering the mysteries of the circus.

The Night Circus is definitely a slower-paced read, but it’s filled with fantasy, mystery, romance, and the best thing life has to offer… magic. If you enjoy those elements, then you will absolutely enjoy this book.

And fun fact,April 18th is World Circus Day, which makes this the perfect time to pick it up.