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lauraeydmann82's review against another edition
2.0
Well I took my time on this one! I had been recommended this book by a few people, including a few podcasts, and the edition I picked up in Waterstones had a foreward by Neil Gaiman, so I thought I was in for a real treat. The book itself was a lovely object – black edges on the pages, and lovely type on the front… but I was a little disappointed.
The story is an alternative history of Britain at the time of the Napoleonic War. It follows the story of two English Magicians and their quest to restore proper English Magic. For years before them, there had just been theoretical magicians, who studied the history of magic, and it’s theories, until one day Mr Norrell comes along. He practices magic, and has a store of almost all the magical books in the country, the envy of all the theoretical magicians. The story sees him trying to restore the sort of English Magic that he wants to see in England, and his relationship with Jonathan Strange who becomes his pupil, before rebelling and breaking off from him.
There are struggles with Fairies, and a sub plot involving the wife of Strange and her friend being enchanted and a fairy trying to bring a black servant into his rightful place as King of England.
There is a lot going on in this book and it weaves historical events into the story almost seamlessly, with the magicians helping the British win the Napoleonic Wars, trying to cure mad King George and working with the Government.
I really loved the story – and wanted to find out more behind the folklore – John Uskglass the Raven King, and the history of English Magic, the Fairy lands, and the fairies themselves – this sort of thing is right up my alley and this aspect of the book I really enjoyed. I also loved the Alternative History aspect of this story – the links to the Napoleonic story and the ways in which the magicians try and help the war effort are not only inspired but also in some cases really witty. The Englishness of the story was wonderful as well, and the way the novel looks into Englishness, Madness and Magic, and how intertwined they are is fantastic. I loved the alternative folklore of England, and how it obviously took from some of the existing fairytales and expanded on them. I love fairytales and myths and legends anyway, and this reminded me of Tolkien’s background for Middle Earth, and the Silmarillion (yes, I have read it) and the way it slots into the existing traditional folklore of England.
I loved the characters as well, Mr Norrell is frustrating and annoying, and Mr Strange starts off as a fantastic sidekick, trying to learn from and understand Norrell but eventually breaking away… you really can emphasise with his character throughout the book with his struggle with his friendship with Norrell, his passion for magic, his dealings in the war and his relationship with his wife. It is only towards the end that he starts to become a little annoying… but I can’ say too much without ruining the story. Mr Norrell really reminded me of someone I know (who I will not name as it’s not fair), but this added to the fun. The other characters are interesting and well written too, each being well developed and having interesting parts to play along the story. The fairy in the story becomes more and more twisted and unlikeable throughout the book, the wife of Strange and her friend Lady Pole are both likeable women who I could understand and to some extent empathise with. Vinculus, the “fake” street magician was interesting, and I wanted to know much more about him than we did – he seemed very unexplored (although I have since found out he is the subject of a sequel), as does Childermass, another character who I wanted to hear more from.
So why did it take me so long to read? I found this book very easy to put dwown and not easy to pick up. It sounds strange, when I have just harped on about how much I liked it, but I think the style it was written in, the pastiche of Victorian novels, really put me off. I am not sure why, I almost found it dragged on too much. I know this was a deliberate ploy by the author, to write in this style of novels from the 19th Century, including footnotes and older versions of words (chuse instaed of choose) but I found it a little distracting and whilst, once I picked up the book and got used to it I was OK, the thought of it put me off from picking it up. I think this is purely a personal choice, and you should not be put off from reading this as I think the story is excellent, I just found the style a little wearing. That said, an excellent fantasy story, and I will look out for the sequel, based on Childermass and Vinculus (two characters from the book) when she has finished it.
The story is an alternative history of Britain at the time of the Napoleonic War. It follows the story of two English Magicians and their quest to restore proper English Magic. For years before them, there had just been theoretical magicians, who studied the history of magic, and it’s theories, until one day Mr Norrell comes along. He practices magic, and has a store of almost all the magical books in the country, the envy of all the theoretical magicians. The story sees him trying to restore the sort of English Magic that he wants to see in England, and his relationship with Jonathan Strange who becomes his pupil, before rebelling and breaking off from him.
There are struggles with Fairies, and a sub plot involving the wife of Strange and her friend being enchanted and a fairy trying to bring a black servant into his rightful place as King of England.
There is a lot going on in this book and it weaves historical events into the story almost seamlessly, with the magicians helping the British win the Napoleonic Wars, trying to cure mad King George and working with the Government.
I really loved the story – and wanted to find out more behind the folklore – John Uskglass the Raven King, and the history of English Magic, the Fairy lands, and the fairies themselves – this sort of thing is right up my alley and this aspect of the book I really enjoyed. I also loved the Alternative History aspect of this story – the links to the Napoleonic story and the ways in which the magicians try and help the war effort are not only inspired but also in some cases really witty. The Englishness of the story was wonderful as well, and the way the novel looks into Englishness, Madness and Magic, and how intertwined they are is fantastic. I loved the alternative folklore of England, and how it obviously took from some of the existing fairytales and expanded on them. I love fairytales and myths and legends anyway, and this reminded me of Tolkien’s background for Middle Earth, and the Silmarillion (yes, I have read it) and the way it slots into the existing traditional folklore of England.
I loved the characters as well, Mr Norrell is frustrating and annoying, and Mr Strange starts off as a fantastic sidekick, trying to learn from and understand Norrell but eventually breaking away… you really can emphasise with his character throughout the book with his struggle with his friendship with Norrell, his passion for magic, his dealings in the war and his relationship with his wife. It is only towards the end that he starts to become a little annoying… but I can’ say too much without ruining the story. Mr Norrell really reminded me of someone I know (who I will not name as it’s not fair), but this added to the fun. The other characters are interesting and well written too, each being well developed and having interesting parts to play along the story. The fairy in the story becomes more and more twisted and unlikeable throughout the book, the wife of Strange and her friend Lady Pole are both likeable women who I could understand and to some extent empathise with. Vinculus, the “fake” street magician was interesting, and I wanted to know much more about him than we did – he seemed very unexplored (although I have since found out he is the subject of a sequel), as does Childermass, another character who I wanted to hear more from.
So why did it take me so long to read? I found this book very easy to put dwown and not easy to pick up. It sounds strange, when I have just harped on about how much I liked it, but I think the style it was written in, the pastiche of Victorian novels, really put me off. I am not sure why, I almost found it dragged on too much. I know this was a deliberate ploy by the author, to write in this style of novels from the 19th Century, including footnotes and older versions of words (chuse instaed of choose) but I found it a little distracting and whilst, once I picked up the book and got used to it I was OK, the thought of it put me off from picking it up. I think this is purely a personal choice, and you should not be put off from reading this as I think the story is excellent, I just found the style a little wearing. That said, an excellent fantasy story, and I will look out for the sequel, based on Childermass and Vinculus (two characters from the book) when she has finished it.
jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
4.0
You either like this book or completely dislike it. In my case, I'm quite confused because I both liked and disliked it at the same time.
[b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|8466224|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364309472l/8466224._SY75_.jpg|3921305] is Susanna Clarke’s debut novel and this fact alone is incredible. This is a really unusual fantasy. The pace is slow and if you’re looking for action, this book is definitely not for you. But if you want to read something different, you should try this book. The writing is amazingly good; the alternative history and plot are ingenious and very intricate thought consistent in every way; the characters are complex, conflicted, they are basically perfectly psychologically-developed. No wonder she took 10 years to write this story but it was utterly worth it !
Unlike the general opinion, I enjoyed the footnotes. I found them cunning. Some of them were quite funny or absurd and all of them proved that there is absolutely no shortcomings in this story.
This said, I won’t lie. Against the general feeling this book gave me, I still had difficulties going through some chapters which sometimes were a bit boring, mostly in the middle of this rather long book. It’s been a long time since it last took me this long to read a book. Don’t pick this book if you don’t have time. Also, one thing that got me quite confused at the beginning was the number of characters named John.
Ultimately, this book is somewhat bewitching. This book has an inexplicable vibe, something really artistic. Reading this book, I had the feeling of reading a masterpiece. Totally worth his numerous awards. If you like classic literature and fantasy, [b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|8466224|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364309472l/8466224._SY75_.jpg|3921305] is for you !
[b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|8466224|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364309472l/8466224._SY75_.jpg|3921305] is Susanna Clarke’s debut novel and this fact alone is incredible. This is a really unusual fantasy. The pace is slow and if you’re looking for action, this book is definitely not for you. But if you want to read something different, you should try this book. The writing is amazingly good; the alternative history and plot are ingenious and very intricate thought consistent in every way; the characters are complex, conflicted, they are basically perfectly psychologically-developed. No wonder she took 10 years to write this story but it was utterly worth it !
Unlike the general opinion, I enjoyed the footnotes. I found them cunning. Some of them were quite funny or absurd and all of them proved that there is absolutely no shortcomings in this story.
This said, I won’t lie. Against the general feeling this book gave me, I still had difficulties going through some chapters which sometimes were a bit boring, mostly in the middle of this rather long book. It’s been a long time since it last took me this long to read a book. Don’t pick this book if you don’t have time. Also, one thing that got me quite confused at the beginning was the number of characters named John.
Ultimately, this book is somewhat bewitching. This book has an inexplicable vibe, something really artistic. Reading this book, I had the feeling of reading a masterpiece. Totally worth his numerous awards. If you like classic literature and fantasy, [b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|8466224|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364309472l/8466224._SY75_.jpg|3921305] is for you !
thetbrstack's review against another edition
4.0
An imaginative, expressive, tantalizing labyrinth of a novel that just maybe was slightly, just a little bit, over long.
marsius's review against another edition
5.0
Very, very slow start, but the details really help immerse you. Once it picks up, it picks up fast and hard and remains fantastic through the end.
3rdtimelucky's review against another edition
5.0
My one complaint is honestly that the footnotes weren't footnote-y enough!!!
Feels like it should be taught as an example of how to write with a big cast. In particular the blending of "majority" and "minority" perspectives. And the bar is low but I have to give points to a historical novel that remembers jews exist <333 Although a character who Is a book is SUCH a cool concept I wish it got more focus.
The slowly building confrontation between mysticism and stuffy Regency academy was done brilliantly but also unexpectedly hilarious.
I love noticing Clarke's interest in the sky & weather across this and Piranesi! Makes me want to reread Piranesi after this
Feels like it should be taught as an example of how to write with a big cast. In particular the blending of "majority" and "minority" perspectives. And the bar is low but I have to give points to a historical novel that remembers jews exist <333 Although a character who Is a book is SUCH a cool concept I wish it got more focus.
The slowly building confrontation between mysticism and stuffy Regency academy was done brilliantly but also unexpectedly hilarious.
I love noticing Clarke's interest in the sky & weather across this and Piranesi! Makes me want to reread Piranesi after this
dptillman's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rajs's review against another edition
4.0
Alternate history novel about magic returning to England. Starts out slow and dry, but the book is worth reading and definitely has funny moments
stoker's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t know if this is the right word to describe this book but my experience reading this book was so delightful?!
The author masterfully crafted this book (which is astonishing for a debut author honestly).
The writing wasn’t clunky despite the book being 1000+ pages. Every scene felt important in either creating depth within a character or progressing the plot. This is even more remarkable when you see how many footnotes there are😭😭. Susanna made this book feel like a historical account too which is why I loved this book so much. The footnotes were the perfect touch.
The characters are definitely my favourite part of this book. Norrell is a jittery, stuck up little man that you are so frustrated with from the get go. The way he was pictured by the people he met was hilarious. Even though I didn’t like him, his PoV was interesting to read from, again showing how good the author is. Stranger’s arc was so fun to read about and his conclusion was perfect. The side characters were everything to me. Childermass, Stephen Black, Arabella Strange were my favourite and I will miss them all🥹
Deffo a new fave I will love this book forever.
The author masterfully crafted this book (which is astonishing for a debut author honestly).
The writing wasn’t clunky despite the book being 1000+ pages. Every scene felt important in either creating depth within a character or progressing the plot. This is even more remarkable when you see how many footnotes there are😭😭. Susanna made this book feel like a historical account too which is why I loved this book so much. The footnotes were the perfect touch.
The characters are definitely my favourite part of this book. Norrell is a jittery, stuck up little man that you are so frustrated with from the get go. The way he was pictured by the people he met was hilarious. Even though I didn’t like him, his PoV was interesting to read from, again showing how good the author is. Stranger’s arc was so fun to read about and his conclusion was perfect. The side characters were everything to me. Childermass, Stephen Black, Arabella Strange were my favourite and I will miss them all🥹
Deffo a new fave I will love this book forever.
luise96's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
cellardoor10's review against another edition
4.0
The last little bit kind of drags, but I found the first 90% overall very charming. I can see why some people don't like this. I personally enjoyed the footnotes. I thought the charm, tone, and style made up some for the overly detailed long-form explanations of parts. There's very little character development anywhere, which is both irritating at times and a little bit explained by the time you reach the end, but given this book covers something like 11 years, it does seem striking.
I greatly enjoyed the snarky references to Lord Byron and his absurd travels across Europe. Overall, Clarke does a very good job weaving her fictions in with history in a fun "spot the Easter eggs" kind of way. That was really fun for me.
I greatly enjoyed the snarky references to Lord Byron and his absurd travels across Europe. Overall, Clarke does a very good job weaving her fictions in with history in a fun "spot the Easter eggs" kind of way. That was really fun for me.