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daumari's review against another edition
4.0
Hm. Other reviews say this is a very English book; I'm inclined to agree. The writing and vocabulary remind me of Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamourist Histories, though as the novel goes on Clarke moves away from Austenian comedy of manners and towards something more eerie.
As the ending came close I kept looking at how many pages were left, wondering if issues were going to be resolved because there didn't seem to be much space left! They do, but it feels somewhat abrupt. The last ~50-100 pages or so are page-turners, though.
As the ending came close I kept looking at how many pages were left, wondering if issues were going to be resolved because there didn't seem to be much space left! They do, but it feels somewhat abrupt. The last ~50-100 pages or so are page-turners, though.
daumari's review against another edition
4.0
I have a review on another edition, but I'm frustrated at it not showing up because I didn't read this edition, so here is a link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1358561538
pourrir's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was a trudge at some parts, but Ckarke's writing is beautiful and she has a great ability to craft a story. Im of the opinion that she is uniquely gifted at writing indiginiety to place. In this book, the connection to the land of Britian is such a powerful motif, and the contrast between to two main characters is very interesting.
micahstafford's review against another edition
4.0
Huh? Is that really the ending.
I think Susanna Clarke could've packed more and made the first and second parts more interesting.
I thought the book was brilliant and excellent throughout but could've caught up to the reader more.
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Characters: 5
Pace: 3.5
Information: 4
I think Susanna Clarke could've packed more and made the first and second parts more interesting.
I thought the book was brilliant and excellent throughout but could've caught up to the reader more.
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Characters: 5
Pace: 3.5
Information: 4
lameeya_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I read a million reviews cautioning me how slow this was and so I was fully prepared for it. While the book is slow, it is brilliantly written, it would not be out of place with actual regency era literature, the writing is that strong. The story is fascinating in a more in depth, character study, let's meander and loiter around these parts way that I appreciated at most times but did grow weary at other points. It read like a gothic epic. I read about last half of the book in one day, staying up late to finish it but it took me a few days to get through the first half. Will I say the ending paid off for the 1000 pages it takes the book to reach there? Yes, more or less, but this one is about the journey and not necessarily about the destination. 4 stars instead of 5 because up until about 300 pages, I kept wanting to give up and had to convince myself to persevere on. But oh, so glad I did.
jessicah672's review against another edition
4.0
Strong 3.5! Very long and occasionally dragged but incredibly well written. World building was stunning.
catherine_hopper's review against another edition
4.0
This was extremely long (32 hours for the audiobook) and occasionally tedious, but this tale of two English magicians was still enchanting, fun (I laughed out loud at times!), and extremely creative.
peppermintlegs's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As perhaps the most annoying snob about Regency-era historical fiction, this book delighted me. I love the way Clarke utilized the socioeconomic structure of the time period, as well as incorporating the Napoleonic War. I loved both Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, two flawed men who are soooooo obsessed with each other it makes them look stupid. I also enjoyed how important the women were to the story—these men would be absolute wrecks without the women in their lives making them the successes they are and keeping them in check enough to achieve that. The magic was wonderful, the unfolding of historic fantasy compelling, and the incorporation of Real Life Actual Lord Byron so ballsy it had no choice but to be successful. Loved this book, ended up buying it, hope to reread in the future.
mneiger's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mugwumpun's review against another edition
5.0
At first I thought the book would be meandering and boring, just by judging on the length and browsing through her writing. After starting to read it though, I became engrossed in Mr Norrell, and then Jonathan Strange's actions and motivations to revive English magic. This was a refreshing fantasy read, set in a rich world and unique characters. I stayed up until 6/7 am to finish the last parts of the book.