In Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Scarlett Dragna dreams of attending the magical performance Caraval, but her abusive father arranges her marriage to gain political power. Scarlett and her sister Tella, aided by a sailor named Julian, escape to Caraval. There, Scarlett must solve clues to find the missing Tella, ultimately discovering that the line between reality and performance is blurred. The novel contains violence, death, physical abuse, and trauma.

Garber's Caraval immerses readers in a dazzling, whimsical fantasy with immersive world-building and engaging mysteries. The debut novel is praised for its enchanting setting and emotional depth. Critics, however, note occasional pacing issues and predictable plot twists. Overall, it's a captivating read for fans of magic and romance.

Readers who relish fantasy with a touch of romance will adore Stephanie Garber's Caraval. Fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone will find themselves enchanted by the whimsical, immersive world of Caraval, filled with magical illusions, high stakes, and captivating mystery.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Romantic / Adventurous

Stephanie Garber

Adult

Novel

Caraval

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Explore the boundaries between fantasy and reality in this expert-written summary and analysis of Garber’s young adult romantic fantasy Caraval.


Caraval Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Isle of Trisda”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Get ready to explore Caraval and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Caraval Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-8

Caraval Part 1, Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Night of Caraval Eve”

Part 2, Chapters 9-12

Caraval Part 2, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Night One of Caraval”

Part 3, Chapters 13-17

Caraval Part 3, Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Night Two of Caraval”

Part 4, Chapters 18-21

Caraval Part 4, Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Day Four of Caraval”

Part 5, Chapters 22-26

Caraval Part 5, Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Night Four of Caraval”

Part 6, Chapters 27-30

Caraval Part 6, Chapters 27-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 31-34

Caraval Part 6, Chapters 31-34 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Night Five: The Last Night of Caraval”

Part 7, Chapters 35-38

Caraval Part 7, Chapters 35-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “The Day After Caraval”

Part 8, Chapters 39-42

Caraval Part 8, Chapters 39-42 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue

Caraval Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Caraval Character Analysis

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Themes

Caraval Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Caraval Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Caraval Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Caraval Essay Topics

Caraval

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Caraval?

Reading Age

Book Details