Nessa's Thoughts

The Night Circus, the hot new livre du jour, is lighting up the worlds of many people who have read it – from the stunned reactions of people on various websites and blogs, to critical acclaim and assertions by other successful authors (such as Audrey Niffeneger, whose large recommendation plus sticker on my copy is rather ostentatious) that it is the best thing since sliced bread, it's clear to see that this book is very well-loved. However, I really, honestly didn't find it all that interesting.The novel follows a variety of characters. From circus-obsessed farmhand Bailey to starstruck lovers and illusionists Celia and Marco, to the bonny twins Poppet and Widget, to the creators of the Night Circus, the other star performers, and the patrons who become rêveurs. I do love having multiple characters in a story, as they often help bind the story together, especially one of this scope. It doesn't just concern the creation of a circus designed to tantalise the senses. No, there's lots of politics surrounding the Circus, lots of interplay between Celia and Marco and their mentors, and scenes written pretty much for the readers to gawp at. Just imagine! A paper dragon that breathes fire somewhere in the tents! An entire ice garden! Living statues, delicious food, and a newfangled circus layout... I did really like this book, but there were some characters who I just found a bit stale and flat, and although the language used is very dreamy and brings you right into the world, I felt rather disconnected at times.Another reviewer on GoodReads said that The Night Circus will be very fondly read by people who have a soft spot for circuses. Hey, I do (when clowns aren't involved), but I just couldn't get into the story outside of the circus.I'd also add for any potential readers that this book was an absolute slog to get through during the final act. I don't know why, but not a lot happened other than Celia and Marco kindling their love for each other. I liked them as characters, and I liked how they ended up together in the end, but ye gods, was it hard to read. A shame, really, because the first and second act were really exciting and imaginative.All in all, I'm going to give this book 3.5/5. It was really good and I'm glad I read it, but a combination of really tedious chapters and disconnected characters knocked off a few points for me.(This review is also available on my blog: http://book-wyrm.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-night-circus-by-erin-morgenstern.html)