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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Overall Rating 4.25 Stars
POSITIVES:
I've seen many people complaining about the length of this book and I have to admit that this was not a problem for me as it engaged me from the beginning. The payoff of Clarke's decade long effort is evident throughout this giant novel that explores an alternative history of Britain with magic. The characters are all flawed in their own ways, especially Strange and Norrell, who represent the snobbery and elitism of aristocratic men in this time period. However this is highlighted using a sarcastic, witty tone so is still enjoyable to read.
NEGATIVES:
One aspect of the book I did not like was the racist and antisimetic language used in the novel. Espcially the character of Stephen Black, who is a POC, is described using period typical racist comments in his introduction. The use of these racist comments is minimal however it is still present in the book leading to some uncomfortable moments when reading. I understand that it would be odd for racism to not be adressed when writing in this time period however I am not sure that is has been handled in a sensitive manner.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who are fans of Clarke's another novel Piranesi and are looking for a long, historical fantasy read.
POSITIVES:
I've seen many people complaining about the length of this book and I have to admit that this was not a problem for me as it engaged me from the beginning. The payoff of Clarke's decade long effort is evident throughout this giant novel that explores an alternative history of Britain with magic. The characters are all flawed in their own ways, especially Strange and Norrell, who represent the snobbery and elitism of aristocratic men in this time period. However this is highlighted using a sarcastic, witty tone so is still enjoyable to read.
NEGATIVES:
One aspect of the book I did not like was the racist and antisimetic language used in the novel. Espcially the character of Stephen Black, who is a POC, is described using period typical racist comments in his introduction. The use of these racist comments is minimal however it is still present in the book leading to some uncomfortable moments when reading. I understand that it would be odd for racism to not be adressed when writing in this time period however I am not sure that is has been handled in a sensitive manner.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who are fans of Clarke's another novel Piranesi and are looking for a long, historical fantasy read.
Too long to be perfect, but not too long to be great. It reads as easily as any novel I’ve ever read, with some really deft character notes and excellent attention to detail.
The problem is that is being so expansive, there is the ironic effect of leaving the reader wanting more. Contrast JS & MN with Piranesi, and you can see how the latter is perfectly complete and immensely satisfying at its perfect length, whereas this book seems to need a map in the front matter, several pages of endnotes and appendices a la Return of the King, and a sequel!
The problem is that is being so expansive, there is the ironic effect of leaving the reader wanting more. Contrast JS & MN with Piranesi, and you can see how the latter is perfectly complete and immensely satisfying at its perfect length, whereas this book seems to need a map in the front matter, several pages of endnotes and appendices a la Return of the King, and a sequel!
I've planned on reading this book for years, and finally finished it! Some very clever ideas, and intriguing characters, but it was hard to really engage with the characters as much as I wanted to.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
it's so good. IT'S SO GOOD.
I didn't think I'd ever read this one again (it's an excellent book and also a brick), but Richard Armitage as the narrator is absolute perfection. 10/10 will listen again.
I didn't think I'd ever read this one again (it's an excellent book and also a brick), but Richard Armitage as the narrator is absolute perfection. 10/10 will listen again.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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
Norrell is an absolute little gremlin of a man but honestly mood, I would also prefer to lock myself away in a manor with no one else for company than my endless library.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
challenging
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