Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel by Susanna Clarke Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel
Book Review: Stunnig debut
Summary: 5 Stars
I had the very good fortune to borrow a pre-publication proof copy of the book and was bowled over by it. The story is gripping, of mythical scope and beautifully written - I cannot recommend it strongly enough.Mr Strange and Mr Norrell, the eponymous (anti?)heroes are the two great magicians of their age (the early 1800s). They are drawn together by common-talent, but driven apart by differing aims and personalities into a fearsome rivalry. Norrell is self-serving, vain and insecure; Strange is bold charismatic and iconoclastic. The book is set in an alternative version of the past, peopled with figures like Wellington, the wars in Spain and other late Georgian-era facts in a very heady and convincing mix. Through the actions of the two magicians England and the Kingdom of Faerie are brought into violent conflict. If this all sounds very fantasy and like a children's book - it's not. The writing is sophisticated, gritty and humorous. The characters are visceral and the tension and drama of the story masterfully handled. It is an immensely well-crafted book that heralds the arrival of a very original and imaginative literary writer.
Book Review: Unique
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reading Copy of this book. The novel is hyped as many thing. To my great delight, I found it to be none of them. It's neither Harry Potter for adults, nor a Lord of the Rings clone. Then what is it? It's a beautifully written, witty, and enchanting tale. It's full of deep and interesting characters, it's full of imaginative little anecdotes and fables, and it's full of adventure. There is more imagination and detail in this book than could possibly fit within its 800 pages, and so I can only suspect that it has been enhanced by the subtle use of magic that its main characters are more than capable of. So no, it isn't Harry-Potter-like, or Tolkien-like. Perhaps the fairest comparison I can think of is Neil Gaiman's Stardust.
However, if you dislike footnotes, be warned, for there are many of them, and they can reach impressive lengths. Similarly, if your attention span is only a couple of seconds long, then maybe Harry Potter is more suitable to your taste: In Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, not every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. It is a compliment to the author's skill that no such cheap tricks are needed, and that the story is engaging and involving despite its (initially) leisurely pace.
This book is hyped up to be THE book of the year, and having read it, I am quite willing to believe it.
Book Review: Mad King George, Byron, Wellington, Bonaparte
Summary: 5 Stars
Susanna Clarke has presented readers with a massive first work. The book's length is well beyond the numbered 782 pages as the author extensively footnotes her work. If this font of rather small size were elevated to the height of the main text the book is likely closer to 900 pages. The notes are critical to the story and the history of the main topics. Happily they are located on the page they apply to and the author only forces readers to search back occasionally.The figures of history I noted above are a small sample of those the author includes. The book takes place between the autumn of 1806 and the spring of 1817. This is a very busy time for England and her adversaries and Susannah Clarke writes very credible historical fiction in a book that is primarily about Magic. It would have been easier to create an environment for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell that would require little or no scholarship of history. Happily for readers Clarke does not take a shallow view of the time her characters occupy, it is said she spent some 10 years creating this book and it is wonderful she produces so much depth for her readers.
Magic in this book is very confined to a very few but as we learn of these we also learn the History of Magic and of practitioners like Merlin, Joseph of Arimethia, Catherine of Winchester, and of course The Raven King. The primary magicians are those of the title and a handful of others classified as theoretical or practical in their skills. The author also has filled the book with wonderful supporting characters that bear names like Vinculus, Sugundus, Childermass and dozens more.
The book has a very regular, precise and measured cadence that holds through all but the last pages of the book. Susanna Clarke clearly was methodical in constructing her book and readers are rewarded for proceeding at her pace. And it would appear that readers will enjoy more of this world she has created when next she writes.
So remember, "Tree speaks to stone. Stone speaks to water", and watch for the, "man with the thistle down hair".
Book Review: Magic has returned!
Summary: 5 Stars
Working in a bookshop, I was one of the fortunate few who received an advance copy of this title, way back in April. I read 2 pages, full of hope, then put it down. I had been expecting a Harry Potter clone, which I realised I wasn't getting. However, after recently hearing all of the hype surrounding the book, I decided to give it another chance. I'm glad I did.
Although it may be difficult to first grasp the author's narrative style (the numerous lengthy footnotes mainly), as soon as you get over this small boundary there is a whole new world awaiting your attention.
If, like me, you are immediately put off by the style of writing, please please please please give it another chance. You won't regret it.
Book Review: boring and dull
Summary: 1 Stars
I started this book with great expectations. I was soon bitterly disappointed. This book is too long and the build-up of the story is much too slow. Don't waste your time - go and read something else!