Nights at the Circus

by Angela Carter
Nights at the Circus cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3026
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781409015338
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-10-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Sophie Fevvers, a celebrated aerialiste and star of Colonel Kearney's circus, captivates audiences across Europe with her extraordinary performances. Is she truly part swan, or is her identity a clever illusion? Jack Walser, an American journalist, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her mystique. As he joins the circus on its enchanting tour through London, St Petersburg, and Siberia, Walser finds himself dazzled by his love for Fevvers and torn between his professional ambition and personal desires. Angela Carter's 'Nights at the Circus' is a richly imaginative tale that blends fantasy and historical fiction, offering a vivid portrayal of a bygone era. The novel is celebrated for its lush prose and exploration of themes such as identity, love, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. With its magical realism and captivating characters, this novel has been recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Novels That Shaped Our World.

Reviews
JoyVsPicer · Joy Vs Picer · 2019-12-10
captivating 3.50

The book is divided into three sections and the plot meanders with various diversions, but it's a captivating read.

Joy Vs Picer notes that the book is divided into three sections and the plot meanders with various diversions. They find the book to be a captivating read, appreciating the light seasoning of the plot and the way it unfolds. The reviewer enjoys the story-telling aspect of the book, even if the plot is not tightly structured. They find the book to be a delightful and engaging read, with a lot of interesting elements that keep them hooked.

Quick quotes

    The book is divided into three sections, London, Petersburg and Siberia

    The plot, such as it is, meanders along with various diversions and a light seasoning

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

Girl with her Head in a Book · 2018-01-28
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!

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