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| Nocturnal magic: The Night Circus |
by Erin Morgenstern
"The circus arrives without warning... It is simply there, when yesterday it was not."
There is something alluring about the idea of a circus which pops up out of nowhere and opens its gates once everyone else has gone to bed. Add in some magic, two star-crossed lovers, a deadly duel and some Victorian charm and you'll have some idea just how bewitching The Night Circus is.
Set in the late 19th century, Le Cirque des Rêves (the Circus of Dreams) brings together two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who must compete against each other in a mysterious challenge, which uses the circus as its setting. There are a series of black and white tents, each home to dazzling exhibits and extraordinary acts (and not a clown in sight). But as the contest plays out, the fate of circus and its inhabitants becomes increasingly precarious, building up to a dramatic showdown.
The story jumps around between different times and characters, but the sections are cleverly punctuated by short chapters where you feel like you are in the circus yourself - witnessing the contortionist's astonishing feats, getting lost in the hall of mirrors, watching kittens doing tricks and smelling the delicious scent of caramel. It puts you right at the heart of the action.
Considering this is Erin Morgenstern's first novel, her writing style feels well-established and the world she's created is described in vivid detail. You'll be dreaming of striped tents and caramel apples long after you've turned the final page.
INTERESTING FACT: Erin Morgenstern is also a talented artist and has spent the past few years painting a black and white tarot deck.
