Reading is great. On a chilly autumn night there’s sometimes nothing better than curling up with a really great book and a glass of wine (or a nice cup of tea) in hand. Whether you’re a high-tech Kindle fanatic or you love rummaging around second-hand bookshops searching for hidden gems, the combination of a top read and a cosy sofa is still difficult to beat.
That’s why we’re launching the Sofas & Stuff book club – each month we’ll be sharing with you a book that has really got us hooked and asking you to share your own reviews and suggestions.
Our recommended read this month is The Night Circus by Erin Morgensten. The book is Morgensten’s debut novel and is currently on the New York Times bestseller list – not bad for a first attempt we reckon!
The story is set in a circus in the 19th century. Magic exists in the world of The Night Circus, and the circus performers use it liberally to add a sense of wonder to their shows. The audience, of course, never suspect a thing, and assume the fantastical things they are witnessing are simply a case of pulleys, levers and sleight of hand.
At the heart of the story are two young magician’s apprentices, Marco and Celia. Their masters, fierce rivals, pit the two youngsters against each other in a test of their skills. As the contest progresses the pair, wary of each other at first, fall slowly and deeply in love. But fate stands in their way – the challenge must end in one of their deaths. It’s a perfect combination of romance, drama and fantasy – you’ll find yourself completely swept up in the story and you’ll be rooting for Marco and Celia.
If the truth be told, this book feels a bit like Harry Potter for grown-ups. If you loved the escapism of the Potter series but felt it was a little on the childish side you will absolutely adore this read. It’s escapism at its best and the kind of book you will plough through in a few sittings – it’s definitely difficult to put down! What the book lacks in character development it makes up for in engrossing descriptions – Morgensten has gone all out in sharing the details of the wonderful world she has created.
You should read this book if you like: Harry Potter, Twilight, magic and mystery.
You should avoid this book if: Realistic situations you can really relate to are more your thing.
Have you read The Night Circus? If so, why not leave a comment below and let us know what you thought! And if you’ve got any other recommendations for amazing reads, we’d love to hear about them!
