The Night Circus, my current book, definitely does NOT disappoint so far, especially in the category of setting. It's beautiful description started from page one, capturing me and slowly leading me into the very circus I read about, Le Cirque des Reves. (The Circus of Dreams)
I don't often rave about settings in books, usually I pay more attention to the characters than anything else. (A habit picked up after years of designing my own characters for no reason other than that I could.) This book, however, took a different path for me. We don't see our main characters developed as in usual stories- at least not in my opinion. The setting is prevalent in describing them instead- their surroundings reflecting off them in the monochromatic circus and highlighting their feelings and tastes. The lack of stationary PV assisting in this as well- thought this might bother others in a normal book's settings, it fits in perfectly well here.
One of the beautiful instances of setting description can be found here, within the following excerpt of the book.
"Regardless of it's origin, the food is always delectable. The decor in the dining room (or rooms, depending on the size of the event) is as extraordinary as it is in the rest of the house, in sumptuous reds and golds with art and artifacts from across the globe displayed displayed on every available surface. Everything is lit with glowing chandeliers and copious candles, so that the light is not bright but deep and warm and bubbling."
We don't have usual chapter progression either, often skipping around the years and switching perspectives from inside to outside as the circus comes into being and travels. These time jumps are well paced and small enough that we continue to learn about the main character's life's progression and keep things interesting. I only find myself more and more entwined with the plot as I read on, and cannot wait to see the most likely marvelous ending- there is about a 500% chance that this story will go out with a bang indeed.
Happy reading to all of you, and may your books only intrigue you as much a mine do! Stay tuned for my final words on The Night Circus!
Monochromatic? Is the book set in black and white? I'd love to hear more about it!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the book is set in quite a monochromatic place- The design of the circus is entirely based upon it being only black and white, occasionally grey. The description of it in the book is absoutely fantastic!
DeleteWow this book seems fantastic! I'm eager to read it
ReplyDelete