Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Breathtaking! The lead contender for my favorite of the year!

I had been whining for months that I had not yet read a take-my-breath-away outstanding book this year.  Recently I had breakfast with three friends, all readers, and I sadly told them that I didn't think 2011 was nearly as strong a publishing year than 2010, because I was still, 6 months in, waiting for that one special book. 

Then came along THE NIGHT CIRCUS and everything changed.

"The circus arrives without warning."

I can sum-up my thoughts of THE NIGHT CIRCUS in three words:  Visual, Emotional, and Sensory.

When remembering THE NIGHT CIRCUS the first word that comes to mind is:  Visual.   Summit Entertainment has already bought the film rights, but I really hope someone fabulous directs.  I have such clear images in my head, images that have haunted me, since I read this book - and that's all due to the tremendous writing talents of author Erin Morganstern.   The world Erin Morgenstern has created, especially within Le Cirque des Rêves, is at once beautiful and eerie, like the things nightmares are made of, painted with such detail and passion.

The next word I can use to describe THE NIGHT CIRCUS is:  Emotional.  Please don't misunderstand me, never is the story sentimental or obvious.  There is such precision in the language, in the movement of the characters, in the props of the stage.  Each piece is carefully chosen - the hands of a clock, the ribbon on a curtain, the thread in a dress, the placement of a step.

The final word I can use is: Sensory.  Both within Le Cirque des Rêves and outside it, no matter where in the world she takes us, Erin Morgenstern delights all of our senses through the printed word.  I can see the changes of color in Celia's dress, I can feel the cold of the Ice Garden, I can smell the caramel, I can taste the chocolate mice, and I can hear the shattering of an ink bottle.  There is one scene of a dinner party I recall with such clarity, in which Erin Morgenstern describes the dessert, which after cracked open reveals something different for each guest, and I swear I could feel, hear, smell and taste it.  An experience for her characters, she allowed us as readers to possess their bodies for that moment.

This is truly a book to be savoured.  I wish I could read it again, and experience its magic for the first time.  I am looking forward to reading it again, though, especially now that I know all the little secrets, and know which details to which I should pay extra special attention.

So, Alison, what is The Night Circus about?  I'm not telling. 


A portion of the synopsis reads: (from author's website)
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.

Don't read more than that.  If you read anything more about this book before you pick it up, you might ruin a little piece of it.  I did not even read the blurb on the back of the book (no lie) and I'm so glad I didn't. 

This is why I only told you how this novel made me feel, not about the specifics within it. 

What I will tell you is this:  GO READ THIS BOOK. 


Oh, doesn't come out until September?  Well, pre-order it then...and wait in your driveway, at your bookstore, or in front of your eReader until it comes in!

Here, I'll even help you with a link, because I am NOT giving up my SIGNED copy.  Did you see the video of the line I stood on at BEA for The Night Circus (link below)?  Oh, it was worth it!


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Book Extras:
Erin Morgenstern's website
 - I am in Erin's video of her line at BEA!  Look for me in black pants/jacket at :44 taking a picture with my phone.  (Always looking the wrong way!)
Erin Morgenstern on Twitter
Author Page on Facebook
Erin's Etsy Page
Kirkus Review
Publisher's Weekly Review


About the Book:
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Doubleday (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385534639
ISBN-13: 978-0385534635

*Disclosure:  I received a review copy of this book from the publisher at BEA (Book Expo America).

About the Author: (from the author's website)
Erin Morgenstern is a writer and artist. Most of her writings and paintings are fairy tales, in one way or another. She lives in Massachusetts.  Visit http://www.erinmorgenstern.com/ for the long version.