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!