77 pages • 2 hours read
The Night Circus
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Book Brief
391
Novel • Fiction
Various Locations • Late 1800s
2011
Adult
18+ years
950L
Super Short Summary
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern tells the story of the rivalry between two different forms of magic and the competition and love affair between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are destined to face each other in a magical duel to the death, set against the backdrop of a mysterious traveling circus that serves as the venue for their inevitable confrontation. The book includes references to suicide.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Romantic
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,058,870 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern offers a lush, imaginative setting and a dreamlike narrative that captivates readers. The novel's atmospheric prose and enchanting circus world are widely praised, but some critics find the plot and character development lacking. Overall, it's a compelling read for those seeking a whimsical escape.
Who Should Read The Night Circus?
A reader who enjoys The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is likely captivated by enchanting, atmospheric tales with rich, vivid descriptions. They appreciate magical realism and intricate, intertwining storylines. Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell would find Morgenstern’s work equally mesmerizing and immersive.
1,058,870 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marco Alasdair
Marco Alasdair
A magician trained by the mysterious Man in Grey, known for his skills in mind control and creating illusions, eventually becoming a part of the circus world.
Isobel Martin
Isobel Martin
A tarot card reader at the circus, originally connected to Marco, who plays a significant role in maintaining the circus's magical balance through her spell work.
Hector Bowen/Prospero the Entertainer
Hector Bowen/Prospero the Entertainer
Celia's father and mentor, once a renowned magician, who now exists in a spiritual form and orchestrates magical duels.
Chandresh Christopher Lefevre
Chandresh Christopher Lefevre
The visionary creator of the Night Circus who faces struggles with his mental health and is unknowingly under magical influence.
The Man in Grey
The Man in Grey
A powerful and ancient magician who trained Marco, known for his mysterious and emotionless demeanor, involved in organizing magical duels.
Bailey
Bailey
A young boy enamored with the circus who becomes intrinsically linked to its fate and future.
Penelope Aislin Murray/Poppet
Penelope Aislin Murray/Poppet
One of the red-haired twins born the night the circus opened, possessing the ability to foresee future events.
Winston Aidan Murray/Widget
Winston Aidan Murray/Widget
The twin brother of Poppet, gifted with the ability to see into the past, with a strong connection to the circus's history.
Herr Friedrich Thiessen
Herr Friedrich Thiessen
The designer of the intricate clock at the center of the circus, known for his correspondence with Celia and contributions to the circus's allure.
Tsukiko
Tsukiko
A talented contortionist performer at the circus with a storied past involving her own magical training and experiences.
391
Novel • Fiction
Various Locations • Late 1800s
2011
Adult
18+ years
950L
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