The Night Circus

I bypassed Tony Parsons to read this as it was my holiday read and it certainly didn't disappoint!
To be honest, I can barely describe this book, it's a total feast for the imagination and for me to try and describe it is something of a disservice really as it is jampacked with beautiful pictures that I could never describe without reading direct from the book!
I remember reading about it when it was first published but I'd never gotten round to it as I was presumably caught up in something else. I'm very glad however, that I did indeed get round to it.

The book tells the tale of a mysterious circus that comes to town. Always unexpectedly and always met with delight and curiosity. There are several narratives woven throughout the book. From characters within the circus, characters who attend the circus and characters who helped devise the circus; but the main story is centered around two people who are bound together in a mysterious game where the rules slowly unfold as the game is played. They must perform their magic until a winner is declared, but when and how is the mystery behind it. As the book continues, we learn more about the individuals it discusses, the rules of the game and how they are all inextricably linked together without realising it; building to a great climatic end where the future of all hangs in the balance.

The best way to find out the mysteries of the book is of course, to read it! I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. I can't wait for the follow up novel from this author as the debut is definitely going to be tough to follow!

Rating: 4 out of 5
Why? I loved that this book had such a smorgasbord of imaginative ideas but overall I found the pace a little slower than I would have liked. That's my only complaint though as I loved everything else. It is a real book of escapism, into a world that is so different from everyday life and it can't fail to make the reader smile and just feel happy in general. A nice little pick me up book for sure.