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First, let me say I really enjoyed this book as pure escapism. I am not sure how to classify it. Perhaps it’s fantasy? It contains magic and illusion aplenty but no imaginary creatures. Is it magical realism or historical fiction? There are certainly large portions based around the real world Victorian era plus two rival magicians whose proteges are involved in a magic competition. Perhaps it is paranormal? There are no ghosts per se, but there is a tarot card reader, a quasi-psychic, and at least one being not quite completely tethered to this world. Whatever label assigned, the book is atmospheric in its descriptive narrative, and the author’s inventiveness is on display. The titular black and white magical Night Circus, aka Le Cirque des Rêves, takes on a life of its own, but it’s not a typical circus � no clowns or elephants. Instead, it comes complete with acrobatic kittens, phantasmagorical attractions, an energy-giving white bonfire, and a massive surreal clock. It’s worth reading the book for the creativity involved in fashioning a circus like no other. A dream-like quality is evident throughout. The supporting characters are appealing, such as red-headed twins, Poppet and Widget, a contortionist with a mysterious past, and M. Chandresh Christophe Lefèvre, whose midnight dinner parties astonish his guests. It’s not all happiness and kittens, though. A thread of discord and darkness permeates the plot, and the rivals that set the competition in motion are quite cruel to their two student-magicians. I didn’t care for the wildly jumping timelines, especially given the shortness of the chapters, and the romance angle felt a bit off, but overall, I found it very entertaining and look forward to seeing how this author develops. Recommended to those desiring a retreat into a magical realm.

Memorable quotes:
"We must put effort and energy into anything we wish to change."

"People see what they wish to see. And in most cases, what they are told that they see."

"It is difficult to see a situation for what it is when you are in the midst of it."