Nights at the Circus

Nights at the Circus cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 3026
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781409015338
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-10-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Nights at the Circus introduces the enigmatic Sophie Fevvers, a star aerialiste whose claim to be part woman, part swan captivates audiences across Europe. The novel is a rich tapestry of historical fiction, blending the grandeur of turn-of-the-century London, St Petersburg, and Siberia with the raucous energy of circus life. The story is narrated through the eyes of Jack Walser, an American journalist determined to uncover the truth behind Fevvers' extraordinary persona. His journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about unraveling the mystery of the circus's most famous performer. The novel is celebrated for its vivid imagery and magical realism, transporting readers to a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. With an introduction by Sarah Waters, Nights at the Circus is recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Novels That Shaped Our World, praised for its spellbinding narrative and richly detailed historical setting.

Reviews
immersive 3.50

The novel relies more on storytelling and world-building than plot, making it a larger-than-life experience.

The reviewer notes that Nights at the Circus is a novel that prioritizes storytelling and world-building over a tightly structured plot. They describe it as a larger-than-life experience that immerses the reader in its richly constructed world. While the plot may meander, the reviewer appreciates the depth and creativity of the narrative, making it a memorable read. The book's strength lies in its ability to transport the reader to its vividly imagined settings.


Quick quotes

    Nights at the Circus is one of those larger-than-life novels which rely more on story-telling than plot

    Heavy on the world-building and somewhat lighter on the plot

    A larger-than-life experience

The Guardian · Xan Brooks · 2017-02-14
brilliant 4.00

The book is praised for its rich language and extravagant plot devices, though it may be a bit too much at times.

Xan Brooks from The Guardian highlights the novel's ingenious verbal invention and eye-popping descriptions, which make it a standout piece of literature. However, they also note that the richness of the text might be overwhelming for some readers. Brooks appreciates the extravagant plot devices and the overall brilliance of Carter's writing, suggesting that while the book is extraordinary, it might not be for everyone due to its density.


Quick quotes

    Nights at the Circus is rich with ingenious verbal invention

    Perhaps a little too rich?

    Extravagant plot devices and eye-popping description

JacquiWine's Blog · 2014-08-11
entertaining 4.50

The book is described as an intoxicating and entertaining experience, with a promise to revisit it soon due to its captivating nature.

The reviewer found Nights at the Circus to be a truly immersive read, likening it to a dream that leaves a lasting impression. They highlight the book's ability to captivate and entertain, suggesting that it's a story that will stay with the reader long after the final page. The reviewer is eager to return to the book, indicating a high level of enjoyment and engagement with the narrative.


Quick quotes

    Reading Nights at the Circus is an intoxicating, heady and entertaining experience

    I'm sure it won't be long before I return to Angela Carter

    It was so vivid!