Reviews with content warning for Death - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

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Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

33 reviews

amsswim's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. Scratches the same itch as Good Omens does for me in some ways. I do attribute it to getting me back into fantasy, I started this last year and got 40% through then my hold went up. Finally was able to finish it now and I'm happy I did.

For lovers of magical fantasy and characters with significant interpersonal relationship issues, this is the books for you. Love the footnotes and constant character pov rotation.

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meecespieces's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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lindseyhall44's review

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adventurous dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“This is to be mortal, and seek the things beyond morality.”
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is one of the longest books I have ever read, but also one of the best. Clarke flawlessly blends historical fiction with fantasy, while taking care to write in the style of the period. I’ve heard it described as if Jane Austen wrote about magic, which feels spot on. Although this may not be for everyone, don’t be put off by the length. The ending is well worth it:)

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_david_'s review against another edition

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mysterious relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's a bit tricky to put my finger on why I enjoyed this book, but its originality feels remarkably natural and familiar. The novel, despite its slow pace, excels in presenting captivating characters and events. While not all characters are likable, they are undeniably interesting and well-developed.

The language, though challenging at times, never becomes overwhelming. In contrast to other books attempting a dry, academic style, this one strikes a balance that I found surprisingly enjoyable. The story unfolds like an epic legend and I liked the historical fantasy setting combined with the magic. Something in the way that magic was written as something that old grumpy men discuss like modern academics do to science appealed to me. It's a daunting book to pick up, but I am glad I've read it.

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jmoxley's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is an epic time and has been sitting on my To Read shed for more than 10 years as it needs a fair chunk of reading time and isn’t portable enough to take on holidays train journeys etc (unless you go to the dark side and get a Kindle).

Wasn’t sure if I’d have the stamina to get though this as although I like magical realism im not a fan of most fantasy genre book (except Tolkien) but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Susanna Clarke has created a meticulously detailed parallel version of England during the Napoleonic Wars which blends into the mythology of a dark age kingdom in northern England.

As an English person living in Scotland I thought a story about specifically English magic by an Oxbridge author might end up as another London-centric piece, but the story is so linked to the patina England that it couldn’t have been set anywhere else and the legacy of the Raven King’s kingdom in northern England removes the risk of a focus on the Home Counties.

Clarke use of language reinforces the creation of the worlds of polite Georgian society and dark age Yorkshire/Northumberland although I suppose some might find the occasional odd hyphenation or variant spelling irritating.

The characterisation is good- Norrell and Strange are both complicated characters and other apparently minor characters such as John Childermass, Arabella Strange, Vinuculus, Messrs Lascelles and Drawlight are convincing and at times peppered with humour.

The book cleverly weaves historical evehts snd fictional happenings together to create a unique and hugely enjoyable tale.

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