Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
I loved the atmosphere in this book. The rich mythology of the British Isles combines seamlessly with early nineteenth century society to give us a story that, while not perfect, was a pleasure to read. Susanna Clarke is an exquisite writer, and the way that she writes nineteenth century England is as immersive as though I were reading Austen or Dickens.
The novel follows two magicians over the span of a decade, charting the progression of their lives and evolution of their magical abilities as well as delving into the forces working with and against them. Although the title characters Jonathan Strange and Gilbert Norrell are the main focus of the novel, it was the side characters who shone through for me. The relationship between the butler Stephen and the man with the thistle-down hair was portrayed brilliantly, and I found myself endlessly amused by the bizarre friendship that the fairy forced upon the poor butler. If the whole book had been about them and Childermass, this would easily have been a five star read.
I did feel that the book was too long. My edition, at a whopping 1006 pages could have used some editing, and I think entire sections could have been cut without much damage to the overall plot (I'm thinking of the segments involving the Greysteels). I had also wanted a bit more oomf from the ending. After 1006 pages, the final paragraph felt more like a deflation than a triumph. That being said, if you are interested in intense, character driven, historical and mythologically driven fantasy, the world Susanna Clarke has created might just be perfect for you. I can't wait to read Piranesi to see what more she can accomplish.
The novel follows two magicians over the span of a decade, charting the progression of their lives and evolution of their magical abilities as well as delving into the forces working with and against them. Although the title characters Jonathan Strange and Gilbert Norrell are the main focus of the novel, it was the side characters who shone through for me. The relationship between the butler Stephen and the man with the thistle-down hair was portrayed brilliantly, and I found myself endlessly amused by the bizarre friendship that the fairy forced upon the poor butler. If the whole book had been about them and Childermass, this would easily have been a five star read.
I did feel that the book was too long. My edition, at a whopping 1006 pages could have used some editing, and I think entire sections could have been cut without much damage to the overall plot (I'm thinking of the segments involving the Greysteels). I had also wanted a bit more oomf from the ending. After 1006 pages, the final paragraph felt more like a deflation than a triumph. That being said, if you are interested in intense, character driven, historical and mythologically driven fantasy, the world Susanna Clarke has created might just be perfect for you. I can't wait to read Piranesi to see what more she can accomplish.