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A review by theatretenor
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
5.0
Originally published in 2004, Susanna Clarke's epic tome Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is the story of two feuding magicians in 1806 England. Mr Norrell, a strange and recluse scholar, is the only practicing magician in the last 200 year since The Raven King, whom he despises. But, a prophecy foretells of two magicians rising to power in England. Enter Jonathan Strange, a young new magician. Mr Norrell and Jonathan Strange form a mentor/pupil relationship that quickly becomes strained.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is, surprisingly, Susanna Clarke's debut novel, and with the paperback coming in at over 1,000 pages what a debut it is! Reading this novel is a bit like running a marathon, there will be highs and lows, faster parts and slower parts, but in the end you've quite enjoyed yourself and boy, do you feel accomplished! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is written in the way they would have spoken in 1806 England, with all the idiosyncrasies and idioms and behaviors and manners of the time, which I loved delving in to.
Based on Susanna Clarke's novel the BBC produced a 7-part miniseries that is now available to watch on Netflix. I have watched the first two episodes so far and it is high recommended as well. Reviews say it is very true to the novel.
If you want to get lost in a different world and be taken for a long ride I would highly recommend this Time Magazine Book of the Year, Book Sense Book of the Year, People's Top Ten Book of the Year Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is, surprisingly, Susanna Clarke's debut novel, and with the paperback coming in at over 1,000 pages what a debut it is! Reading this novel is a bit like running a marathon, there will be highs and lows, faster parts and slower parts, but in the end you've quite enjoyed yourself and boy, do you feel accomplished! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is written in the way they would have spoken in 1806 England, with all the idiosyncrasies and idioms and behaviors and manners of the time, which I loved delving in to.
Based on Susanna Clarke's novel the BBC produced a 7-part miniseries that is now available to watch on Netflix. I have watched the first two episodes so far and it is high recommended as well. Reviews say it is very true to the novel.
If you want to get lost in a different world and be taken for a long ride I would highly recommend this Time Magazine Book of the Year, Book Sense Book of the Year, People's Top Ten Book of the Year Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.