Main content

Erin Morgenstern - The Night Circus

American writer Erin Morgenstern talks about her fantasy novel The Night Circus with James Naughtie and an invited group of readers

American author Erin Morgenstern talks about her fantasy novel The Night Circus which has become a cult favourite with readers. James Naughtie presents and an invited group of readers ask the questions.

It's the story of a mysterious Victorian travelling circus that only opens at night and is constructed entirely in black and white. Although there are acrobats, fortune-tellers and contortionists Le Cirque des R锚ves is no conventional spectacle. Some tents contain clouds, some ice. the circus seems almost to cast a spell over its aficionados, who call themselves the r锚veurs, the dreamers.

At the heart of the story is the tangled relationship between two young magicians, Celia, the enchanter's daughter, and Marco, the sorcerer's apprentice. At the behest of their shadowy masters they find themselves locked in a deadly contest and the two rivals defy all the rules of the game by falling in love.

You can hear a reading of The Night Circus on 大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra Monday 6 January - Friday 10 January at 1800

To take part in future Bookclubs apply at bookclub@bbc.co.uk

February's Bookclub Choice : The People's Act of Love by James Meek (2005)

Presented by James Naughtie
Produced by Dymphna Flynn

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Thu 9 Jan 2020 15:30

Broadcasts

  • Sun 5 Jan 2020 16:00
  • Thu 9 Jan 2020 15:30

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Bookclub at 20

Bookclub at 20

Sebastian Faulks, Naomi Alderman and more select favourite editions of the programme

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Short stories to keep

The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.

Podcast