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Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
In Susanna Clarke's amazing debut novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, magic is alive and well in 19th century London. The novel is an unlikely mix of historical fiction, high fantasy, and Victorian drama, forming a compelling, unique reading experience. The plot assumes a world where magic is studied as a science, but has been absent in practice for centuries. This world is turned on its head as first Mr. Norrell, and later Jonathan Strange, reveal themselves as magicians. At first friends, the two become bitter enemies as the novel progresses, struggling against one another to determine not only the fate of the science of magic, but the future of London itself. Like all great fantasy, Clarke's writing creates a living world filled with believable characters. It is a style that will attract fans of classic authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, as well as contemporary masters of fantasy like Ursula LeGuin and Neil Gaiman.
Recommended by Tony Pellicone
COMMENTS
I actually have this book checked out right now! I haven't started it yet, but I've heard rave reviews from everyone who's gotten through the book. I'm kind of an Anglophile (and a bit of a sci fi fan) so this book seems like a perfect read for me.
Megan: I found the same thing. In fact my brother, who recommended it to me, had the same problem and ended up putting it down at around the same place. It does have a few slow spots, but if you can read past those then the highlights definitely make up for it.
I was very interested in this book when it first came out, and I read the first 100 pages or so, but I got bogged down and eventually moved on to another title. I know other people who have had the same problem with this title. I'm sure it's a good book, but if you are as attention challenged in your reading habits as I am(think goldfish memory short), this may not be your cup of tea. And yet, despite my personal experience with the book, every time I read about it I think about how I should try picking it back up again. I did like the writing. Maybe some judicious skimming is the solution to my dilemma, or the secret to enjoyment of this title for those of us who are lacking in long attention spans.