Reviews

The Ladies of Grace Adieu, and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke

hewlettelaine's review against another edition

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4.0

Listened to the audio book version. Really enjoyable collection of fairy-tale style short stories from the Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell universe

siraels's review against another edition

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4.0

This book consist of several short stories and they're all very different from each other, so I'm going to rate each one of them separately. Before that, I have some words of the whole novel itself. I really enjoyed it and I loved the illustrations by Charles Vess, they acompanied the story so well. Also it was so good to dive into a world I love so dearly again and discover more. I actually thought, I don't know why, that there would be an appearance of John Childermass, my favourite character, but sadly it wasn't.

The ladies of Grace Adieu - 3,5/5
This one felt a bit plotless. I appreaciated the appearance of Jonathan and Arabela, even though they felt a lot different than in the original novel JS&MN.

On Lickerish Hill - 3/5
Probably my least favourite one. My main problem was the language which really bothered me. But I liked the Rumplestiltszkin theme in this one.

Mrs Mabb - 4/5
I really enjoyed this one. Not the best but I liked it even though I didn't quite get the resolution of the story.

The Duke of Wellington misplaces his horse - 4/5
I actually enjoyed this one, might have been a bit longer. I actually loved the fact that it was set in Wall from Stardust!

Mr Simonelli, or the Fairy widower - 4,5/5
I really enjoyed this one even though I didn't quite get the ending.

Tom Brightwind, or how the Fairy bridge was built at Thoresby - 5/5
This one was my favourite, even though I don't quite know why. I really felt like I was reading JS&MN again, especially with the underline notes! I also really liked the magic in this one and I'll be happy to reread it someday.

Antickes and Frets - 4,5/5
I really enjoyed this one. I liked that it was built on real events, only thing was that I didn't quite get how the magic worked in this one.

John Uskglass and the Cumbrian charcoal burner - 3,5/5
Good but didn't impress. I enjoyed reading more about John Uskglass but it surely could've been a bit longer.

kitdunsmore's review against another edition

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4.0

Quirky stories full of the odd, enigmatic, and yet appealing fairies like those encountered in Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. The twists on known fairy tales were fun, as were the explorations of fairy motivations. She generated unique voices to tell her stories, and often chose interesting ways to tell them. A fun read - but you have to accept the dark side of Fairie/Sidhe.

clumsyalchemist's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kyouwa_today's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Loved the mix of language and magic. Felt Iike it came straight from the 19th century. Love the footnotes and references to Norell and Strange

anaphabetic's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced

3.5

boseags's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

pigeomita's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

thatotherlisa's review against another edition

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3.0

Often entertaining, sometimes charming, ultimately forgettable. Greatly preferred Strange & Norrell. This I preferred more in theory than in reality.

gabmmk's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25