Caraval by Stephanie Garber Chapter Review

The Skinny

(aka Back of the Book Summary in a Sentence)

Scarlett and her sister Tella finally get invited to Caraval, a performance they have obsessively wanted to see for years, but once they get there, Tella gets kidnapped by the Caraval Master, and Scarlett must find her within the five-night time limit.

Nutritional Value

(aka What’s Good)

The entire first chapter consisted of seven letters from Scarlett to the Caraval Master, and one letter back from him. I’ve never read a first chapter that was just a series of short letters before. And by short letters, I really do mean short. Each letter was the length of two tweets max. With a little practice, Scarlett would probably be a pro at Twitter.

I’m calling it now, when Stephanie Garber isn’t writing bestsellers, she’s probably out at sea catching monster tuna. She has to be a master fisherman as a side gig, the way she lays bait out in those first few pages. And like the hungry fish I am, I was hooked. She provides little delicious hints about Scarlett’s backstory, as well as what Caraval and its Master have been up to for the past seven years.

It makes the reader want to find out where these hints lead. In one letter, Scarlett casually says that she doesn’t believe the Caraval Master is a murderer. Now I want to know who he may or may not have killed. And why Scarlett believes in his innocence.

Freezer Burn

(aka What’s Bad)

Some parts of the letters I didn’t quite understand. Which makes sense, considering their tweetable length isn’t very conducive to explanation.

For seven years, Scarlett had been writing to the Caraval Master begging him to come to her island and perform. But in her final letter, she says that she’s getting married, so there’s no point in the Caraval coming to her hometown anymore. What does getting married have to do with watching a cool performance? Does marriage mean you can’t do fun things anymore?

Lingering Aftertaste

(aka My Prediction)

Based on the letters, the Caraval Master has already been accused of murder. So, he’s probably a pretty shady dude. Scarlett is obsessed with his performances though, and like anyone who stans a celebrity, she can’t see the shadiness.

I’m predicting that when he kidnaps Scarlett’s sister, our heroine is finally going to see past all the grandiosity and glamour of the Caraval Master and start to believe that he really is a murderer. Then she’ll finally be able to take him down.

Taste Test Verdict

(aka Would I Read More?)

I would read this just to know more about why Scarlett and Tella have been obsessing over the Caraval since they were little kids. Is it like Cirque du Soleil but ten times better? I’d want to see it too then, especially since Cirque du Soleil is already awe-inspiring. Ten times that would be reality-altering.

Also, the Caraval Master enclosed a gift in his letter. I’m all kinds of nosy, and I want to at least read until the second chapter to find out what that gift is.

Memorable Morsel

(aka Quotable Quote)

Scarlett’s letters seriously read like stan tweets to a celebrity.

Even though you still haven’t come to Trisda or responded to any of my letters, I know you’re not a murderer. I was very sorry to hear you won’t be traveling for a while.

Get Caraval on Amazon