or perhaps somewhere in between; let's call it allegory.
Reflecting on why I enjoyed The night circus by Erin Morgenstern when I am usually averse to out-of-this world experiences I examined the notion of allegory as a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative are equated with meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. Usually the underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, but in this case meanings are related to the general social condition and the universal aspects of love, relationships, friendship, courage, perseverance and hope. And these are all readability factors for me.
The night circus has been created and exists by magic but the people who inhabit it are real and complex. Descriptions of circus decorations, activities, acts and food are vivid and inventive. The Edwardian setting gives an atmosphere of romance and possibility and the characterisation, especially of Celia and Poppet, is enchanting and credible.
There are some clever twists and elements of surprise and they all add up to a mesmerising read.
