Erin Morgenstern: "The Night Circus"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-09-22/erin-morgenstern-night-circus
If you liked "Harry Potter" as a kid, you’ll love "The Night Circus as an adult. That’s what early reviewers of Erin Morgenstern’s debut novel indicate. It’s the story of a life-or-death competition between two young magicians late in the 19TH century. The contest takes place at Le Cirque des Reves – The Circus of Dreams. There’s also a dreamlike aspect to how the book itself came about. Erin Morgenstern says she started with a circus and it turned into a story about choices and love, and finding the shades of grey between the black-and-white. She joins guest host Steve Roberts to talk about “The Night Circus.”
Guests
Erin Morgenstern
a writer and multimedia artist.
Comments
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Contests of the metaphysical and spectacular have been a recurring theme in western philosophy and literature. One would think that in an era of science these unreal bouts would lose favor. A good example of such perversion is Penn Jillette who leads his audience farther away from the truth even as he
exhibits half-truths and illusions to mesmerize them. Notice how he ultimately serves commercial interests. Contrast Penn (and Teller) to James Randy's healthy skepticism. I think people who get hooked on the tawdry and degenerate in their reading are going down a Penn Jillette path. Who really cares who can spit colored fire farther or take a needle through the nose without flinching. These things are anti-educational and serve only dark needs in the subconscious for those with unfortunate brain chemistry. Being naughty all the time is infantile for empathetic human creatures, and don't you forget it.
This is not to say I don't enjoy clever card tricks or walking a silver dollar across my knuckles, but that is another matter. Hey, there's a quarter in your ear!
Sounds somewhat intriguing, and I wish her luck with the book, but she really doesn't have the ideal radio-voice. That "Valley Girl" type of delivery with the HRTs sends me diving for the "Off" switch - sorry! - Wil
If she plans on public speaking she'd better take voice lessons. The speakers on my radio are rattling.
So excited to hear this interview. I have been watching the previews for this book for quite a long time. I bought it on Tuesday! Can't wait to read it!!!!
Jon and Wil: Would you prefer the low registers of my "Cow voice." Some poor female throats are made that way. But her delivery does seem to indicate frivolous thinking. Notice how the "buock" (Book, buck what's the dif???)is a throwback to earlier idealized times. Escapism is the word for which you were thirsting. I find graphic fiction (Comix) do a better job. This is a hybrid of superheroes and Gothic romance at a time when all are exposed to pornographic violence in video games (ever more realistic). Maybe this book is going to the CUBE or the 360BOX, otherwise it ain't going anywhere. Despite greater publisher selectivity there has come self-publishing and the world is awash in pulp trash and E-reader trash....Delete! Sweethearts like DRShow and Steve are still plugging for their buddies. People don't have money to waste on good books, so why this?
I can not understand how anyone could say anything negative about this wonderful, creative young woman. I love her voice. I suppose that all these things are a matter of taste, but I would be saddened if Erin took negative comments too seriously.
The animal rights caller raised a valid concern about circus life. Circuses and other fringe entertainments are renowned for exploiting and abusing children and physically unusual performers, even gifted acrobats and actors. I have been a victim of show business abuse, neglect and exploitation so I know first hand. At least I can talk, animals can't. To glorify the bygone days of circustry is as mistaken as a fetish for S and M, or Blackface degradation. Something stinks in this "easy shot."
If you can't see why we criticize it may be due to your own deficiencies.
@Grady Lee Howard: By that measure, we should ban all fantasy literature about gladiators, wars, animal farms, whaling and fishing vessels and restaurants. It's called "fantasy" for a reason: The setting is part of the metaphor, the message. Playing victim to setting and / or metaphor is a choice, and one that occurs in the mind of the reader - not in any external reality. Don't blame writers for your personal choices, or for your view of the "real world."
IT'S JUST A STORY! I'm saddened by the turn this conversation has taken. A young woman who is has devoted years to a project has found success and acceptance for her work. You can like it or not. But why should she be beaten down for it, and why should I be called a fetishist because I like it? Yes, we all have a right to our own opinions, but let's use a bit of courtesy when we make our comments.
Does anyone remember the Einstein reference from a caller, the book told in 'vignettes' I cannot remember the Title and would like reading this book...along with Ms. Morgensterns's as well. Many Thanks in advance
Dear Supremacist:
By your reasoning you would object to a church sexual abuse victim advocating the avoidance of pornography featuring priests and preachers molesting the young. There is a limit on freedom of expression, and there is also a limit on the indiscretionary distribution and publicizing of cruelty.
So many assume this woman is "young and innocent" when maybe thoughtless things that hurt others are included in her writing. I am not silencing her but expressing my caution and distaste if that is the case.
I am not "playing victim" because in 1964 my pituitary gland was purposely destroyed to retard my growth when I was a contract player at RKO. It was presented as a toncillectomy, but was one of the first clinical uses of a ruby laser. Today I am 3'5" tall having lost an inch to arthritis at age 55. Repeated corrective surgery and hormone treatment have been required to keep me alive, and I have undoubtedly suffered because someone wealthier wanted to use me like a trained animal to make money.
Mine is a profound case of the wage slavery and debt peonage most Americans suffer today. Dreamy reminiscing about an idealized circus past is an insult to us all. It follows the same pattern where African Americans are claimed to have been better off in 1860 than they are today. (Did you sign it, Supremacist?) As people become more aware of structural and systematic injustices we will hear many more observations like those I have made. People have real grievances and this forum, when it becomes frivolous concerning human and animal rights, is the place to raise them.
Not everyone's heart is as hardened as yours, Supremacist. Pragmatism often kills.
"That 'Valley Girl' type of delivery with the HRTs sends me diving for the 'Off' switch."
I noticed something in the quality of her voice that I frequently notice with young women--I guess "Valley Girl" would be a good term for it. I'm not sure what is meant by the HRTs though. What I notice is a habit of the voice going up at the end of a phrase, as though asking a question. You can hear it right at the beginning of the interview when she was asked "Why a circus?"
"I'm not a big circus perSON?"
"...the kind of setting that you can immerse yourself IN?"
"...a magical locaTION?"
I've often wondered why some young people talk like that. I've noticed it more with women than men, but it's possible men do it, too, and I just haven't noticed. I have young sons and daughters and I'm not aware of them speaking in that manner. Maybe implied in that delivery is a question--"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
At any rate, I didn't really want to criticise the author, but just to comment on a speech pattern that seems to be becoming more and more prevalent and see if anyone else has some insight into it. She is by no means the worst example of this. I thought Erin Morgenstern was delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview and I wish her the best success. In addition to her commentary on the book, I enjoyed hearing her talk about the process of writing. I'm not a big circus person myself, but I've already recommended the book to a friend who loves fantasy novels. And who knows...maybe I'll read it myself!
Who knows how the book reads, but this superficial interview started at A and ended at B.
I was midly insulted that an author writing about a circus suggested that while she had never been or knew little about "cirque," later 'grasping for something to fill the airwaves' says her story is similar.
I find it hard to believe that she or her editors didn't check out other circus stories out there too.
The interviewer threw 'softballs' again and again - most unchallenging interview heard (today). Just because an author tries to hit the H.Potter jackpot doesn't mean it's a quarranteed good reading recommendation.
Why tear apart an author because of the way her speaking voice sounds? It's completely irrelevant, hurtful, and unnecessary. Didn't you tune in to the show to hear about her book? And complaints about the host throwing 'easy' questions at her? She's on a radio show to promote her book, not run for the presidency!
At the end of the show, I found myself thinking the book sounded very intriguing and drove right to the bookstore to take a peek. And wasn't that the point of the show, after all?
(And, Erin, if you're reading this, I think you have a charming voice and did a great interview! I was smiling along almost the whole time. Congratulations on your success. You've given me added inspiration to keep writing.)
I really enjoyed the the interview and look forward to reading the book.
Apparently I'm the only respondent so far who has actually read this book, and I'm amazed at the vitriol being spouted here.
Evaluating a writer based on her speaking voice is both irrelevant and petty. You might as well take Jim Dale (the audio book reader for The Night Circus) to task for its writing.
This book, like all books, is not for everybody. I, for one, found it to be an intoxicating blend of imagination and reality and it's a book that has haunted me since I finished it. You might very well disagree, but to cast aspersions on the book or the writer without reading it is absurd.