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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Dropping a star after a re-read.
I still really love this book. All the characters are ridiculously annoying, but the dry descriptions and world building is fantastic. The ending is really very problematic. It answers little, and is a bunch of cliches colliding. It also suffers from the fact that, the ending makes the rest of the book absolutely pointless. There is never a proper explanation as to *why* the magic of England goes and comes, and the main characters effectively disappear after doing absolutely nothing.
Were it not for the long hours of enjoyment to be had from the immersive setting, were the book shorter and more "plot oriented", this might have been a two star read. Thankfully, one can exult in the "Britishness" of the characters and the world. Of the two main characters, none are particularly endearing. I believe Strange is written to be more popular, but he seemed to me to be more arrogant and annoying than Norell (a fact actually alluded to in parts of the book).
Many of the characters and scenes are definitely disconnected, which makes sense in some parts, given the narrative style, but over time the book starts to jump around a lot more and becomes a good deal less likeable. This is a period piece, right down to British superiority and period appropriate woman bashing. However, even in light of all that, the fawning of women over Strange (Arabella, Flora) seems excessive, and serves no purpose other than to establish minor points about his character. In truth he reads closer to Murdstone than a real protagonist, especially in his "wooing" of Flora by "bettering her mind" with the help of readings of works for children. Is it period appropriate? yup. Is it annoying? definitely. Does Flora's slavish devotion require the loss of a full star? Given the fact that the latter part of the book has no real redeeming qualities and she's a new focal character, yes.
A better actual plot, or a more cohesive ending would have gone a long way to making this book perfect. Especially after [b:Piranesi|50202953|Piranesi|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1609095173l/50202953._SY75_.jpg|73586702], this book can no longer be considered to be the best of Clarke, nor can it be considered to be a stand alone 5 star book.
Add a star if you don't care about endings or plots but just like long, detailed books with magic.
I still really love this book. All the characters are ridiculously annoying, but the dry descriptions and world building is fantastic. The ending is really very problematic. It answers little, and is a bunch of cliches colliding. It also suffers from the fact that, the ending makes the rest of the book absolutely pointless. There is never a proper explanation as to *why* the magic of England goes and comes, and the main characters effectively disappear after doing absolutely nothing.
Were it not for the long hours of enjoyment to be had from the immersive setting, were the book shorter and more "plot oriented", this might have been a two star read. Thankfully, one can exult in the "Britishness" of the characters and the world. Of the two main characters, none are particularly endearing. I believe Strange is written to be more popular, but he seemed to me to be more arrogant and annoying than Norell (a fact actually alluded to in parts of the book).
Many of the characters and scenes are definitely disconnected, which makes sense in some parts, given the narrative style, but over time the book starts to jump around a lot more and becomes a good deal less likeable. This is a period piece, right down to British superiority and period appropriate woman bashing. However, even in light of all that, the fawning of women over Strange (Arabella, Flora) seems excessive, and serves no purpose other than to establish minor points about his character. In truth he reads closer to Murdstone than a real protagonist, especially in his "wooing" of Flora by "bettering her mind" with the help of readings of works for children. Is it period appropriate? yup. Is it annoying? definitely. Does Flora's slavish devotion require the loss of a full star? Given the fact that the latter part of the book has no real redeeming qualities and she's a new focal character, yes.
A better actual plot, or a more cohesive ending would have gone a long way to making this book perfect. Especially after [b:Piranesi|50202953|Piranesi|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1609095173l/50202953._SY75_.jpg|73586702], this book can no longer be considered to be the best of Clarke, nor can it be considered to be a stand alone 5 star book.
Add a star if you don't care about endings or plots but just like long, detailed books with magic.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
There is a single black character in the book who is frequently referred to by outdated slurs for the sake of historical accuracy. It’s not distasteful, but it’s hard to miss
I wanted to like it, I really did. I mean, it started out with an interesting premise, after over 300 years, one talented practitioner tries to bring English magic back to popularity in Victorian England. If the story falls flat, it's because there is very little magic in it. The sense of wonder that should have been there is buried under endless footnotes to books that most of us will never be able to find, let alone read (if they even exist at all)! In general I gave it two stars for an interesting premise, but only two for very poor execution.
I scarcely imagine that I shall encounter again a novel that delights in such fantastical narratives, witty and exacting language, and elegantly composed tomfoolery. All tied up at the close in the most sublime bow that leaves its reader wanting for nothing. If only I could etch-a-sketch erase my brain and take this in anew.
10 🌟
10 🌟
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes