A review by sltah
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

4.0

For a book heavy on the portrayal of madness, the prose is incredibly clear, logical, stately and scientific. In one aspect the logical matches well with the parodized scholarly treatment of english magic, in another it forms nice contrast with the theme of irrationality. The description of marvels are calm and prescription-like, and there is no word wasted. Essentially the author is highly mindful of the craft she places in her work just as a magician minding the composition of his spell - there is not a surfeit of egotistical overflow/ramblings as in many novels (which do not decidedly weigh down on a book but I appreciate when someone tells a story well and conveys a philosophy both!).