A review by mesal
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

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

5.0

Written in an Austenesque style, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell follows its two titular characters, the only practical magicians left in England, as they meet and clash and clash again in their views on the shape that magic and its study should take in the country. The novel plods along, its plot unraveling unbearably slowly, but the dedication to detail and evocation of character traits made it all worthwhile. I for one enjoyed this book immensely, and look forward to reading Clarke’s more recent release Piranesi to see how her style has evolved over the years.