The circus has come to town. We get a peek behind the curtain – but it’s not all magic and charm…

Let’s discuss The Night Circus. (Spoilers!)

 

 

The narrative here seems designed to tell this story with the reader observing from the outside, though the story is full of intimate moments that we get to witness – and not all of those moments are charming or comfortable (ie. Celia’s childhood and her training with Hector). How do you feel about the story so far, given how it’s being told?

I’m fascinated by this narrative style, by the sense of being an outsider, witnessing something intimate; not quite a part of it, but involved all the same. I get very easily wrapped up in the story that’s unfolding – things that should charm me do, and things that should make me uneasy also do. Almost like I’m actually at a circus…

As for the story itself, I’m enjoying revisiting it so far! I’m being reminded of a lot of details that I didn’t recall from my first read, like the Midnight Dinners. This is something I always enjoy about re-reads, so I’m looking forward to continuing on!

The story also dovetails the creation of the Circus of Dreams with its establishment and effect on visitors, such as Bailey. Do you enjoy the atmosphere of a circus? And how does this one in particular make you feel?

I’m sure I would enjoy a circus*, if I had ever actually been to one. Alas, I am lacking in this experience! But I ever had the chance I’d love to see one – that sense I mentioned, of mingled wonder, awe, unease and charm – it’s my bread and butter. There’s bright light and darkness all mingled together, or so I imagine… And this story certainly reinforces that notion. So I’m eating it up so far! (A little uneasily because I know what’s coming…)

*Minus the clowns. Clowns are abominations and should be fired into the sun.

Celia and Marco could not be more opposite to one another when it comes to magic. What are your first impressions of these “opponents” as the contest begins?

Opposites certainly do attract, though so far we’ve yet to see much of them as opponents – but I loved that first encounter. Celia really made the first move – and the first impression – count, didn’t she? Pick up your jaw, Marco, and get your head in the game…

Seriously, though, I’m intrigued by the idea of Celia’s natural talent for magic versus Marco’s more intellectual approach. It still isn’t entirely clear what the nature of this competition is, but it seems to be more about competition between Hector and Alexander; Marco and Celia are very much pawns in their game, and not players with their own agency (there’s that unease, again). Celia at least feels like the more unpredictable of the two, but does she actually have any more freedom now that Hector appears to be “vanishing” from her life? If that is what he’s doing. WHAT IS HAPPENING.

 

That’s it from me for now, but here’s what others have to say so far!

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