Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel
by Susanna Clarke
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Book Reviews of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel
Book Review: Well-bred and gentlemanly magic
Summary: 4 Stars
From first appearances this book appears as a bit of a tome, and to be honest it doesn't disappoint in that respect. An avid fantasy reader, I have never been daunted by 900 pages of delicious escape. However, this book, as suggested in other customer reviews, is by no means predictable with regard to content. I found myself, if not trudging, then at least wading slowly through the first half. I started to become anxious that the book would be no more than an expository British gentleman's account of political and theoretical magic. Creating the atmosphere and setting the stage are well and good, but I personally feel that too much ink was spent on what a person such as myself (i.e. not British) might construe as classical British niceties (i.e. gown and furniture descriptions, tedious exaltation of manners and custom, etc.).
The tale seemed to pick up dramatically somewhere about halfway. Tucked in here and there I also found some perfect jewels of witty British humour, most particularly in association with Mr. Strange's sojourn in Spain. More use of colour and texture appeared, and magical things not intended for the "greater glory of England" became center of focus. Character development also took an upturn as Ms. Clarke very skillfully starts to explore hero/anti-hero aspects of both main characters. That characters go so quickly from being parts of a book to actors (in a manner) which provoke reaction from the reader was a very pleasant surprise.
I wish Ms. Clarke might have spent more time developing the faerie magic part of the book, particularly with regard to the prophecy around which the magical tale of the book is centered (perhaps less about the gentleman with the thistle-down hair, of whom we learn critical details only at the very very end). Everything was neatly assembled and explained in the end, but its lack of lead-in momentum gave me the feeling that the big picture suddenly appeared and then disappeared without an appropriate and well-deserved climax.
But nit-picking aside I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone with a desire to read something different. As another reviewer suggests, be patient with the first half and you'll get a special treat with the second half.
Book Review: Brilliant orginal fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is largely a dual biography of the two named characters, English magicians of the Napoleonic period who are at various times rivals, friends, and enemies. Their story is told against a fictional history of England in which Northern England was ruled for centuries by John Uskglass, the Raven King, a great magician who ruled kingdoms both in England and Faerie. Uskglass inspired generations of English magicians, and details and anecdotes of these are found both in the text and the whimsical footnotes.
English magic in this book has an impressive history, but by the era of Mr Norrell all English students of magic have for around 250 years been just that - students with knowledge of theoretical and historical magic, but no ability to cast the meanest spell. Norrell changes that when he makes the statues of York Cathedral speak and becomes the first true English magician of the modern era. He remains the only one until the young son of a minor landowner, Jonathan Strange, discovers his own remarkable talents.
Norrell and Strange are very different men and magicians. Norrell is obsessed with dominating magic, and tries to drive any potential rivals away, not reassured by the fact that his own abilities are so superior as to render any true rivalry impossible. His skill is fueled by his unparalleled library of magical literature. With limited access to Norrell's great library, even after becoming his student, Strange is forced to rely more on his creativity and imagination.
The story is told in a style deliberately reminiscent of the British novels of the era - for reasons I can't quite explain, it seems especially suggestive of Thackeray. Like a real Victorian novel it is long, and occasionally the plot moves more slowly than in most modern fantasies, but the skillful writing and striking characters more than make up for any pacing difficulties.
It's a pleasure, and entirely too rare, to find a really original fantasy which owes no debt - absolutely none - to Tolkien's rings, wizards, and hobbits. In that sense, this book reminds me of some of John Crowley's work, but is, I think, much more successful.
Book Review: STELLAR . . . BUT SLOW
Summary: 3 Stars
If you need to decide quickly if you will like this book I offer the following advice: Flip through the pages and look at the pictures.
You will notice that many of the pictures are of scenes that take place indoors. Not only that, but there really isn't much going on in these pictures.
Expect lots of eccentric characters, sophisticated dialogue, scenic descriptions (without being flowery), but at the same time don't expect the plot to make leaps and bounds and raise question after question. If you're going to read it, I suggest pacing yourself.
In a nutshell, you have two magicians. Mr. Norrell, who hordes all books of magic and loves to talk and read about the subject. Then there's Strange, who is more interested in practicing it.
Straight away you can see how the two are going to conflict with each other.
Both are trying to bring Magic back to England.
To add to this concoction, the Napoleonic Wars are taking place (it was these parts I found the most exciting) and later in the book you even stumble across the mad King and Lord Byron.
The magic is interesting, but not of the sword and sorcery variety. (The parts where Strange moves entire objects/places are absolutely hilarious though).
The fairies aren't what I was expecting either. I was actually reminded of the faun in Pan's Labyrinth--comes across as nice, but apparently has another agenda.
The blend of history and fantasy is pulled off very well, to include footnotes that honestly don't add much, other than to give you the feeling that you're reading a non-fiction account of magic in 1800's England.
All this being said, I can easily see how this won the Hugo award, but it's not for everybody.
There is a part in this book where the author describes a carriage ride being bumpy despite it having iron springs (a high-quality carriage for those days, I presume). Such is this book, it has lots of components that are high-quality, but the road (plot) it rides on is not always smooth. But it is fun to look out the window and take in the sights (the characters, history and attention to detail).
Book Review: Deeply immersive...
Summary: 4 Stars
Susanna Clarke literally creates a fascinating alternate universe to 19th century England. Her work reads like a thorough study of the time written in the prose of the period. This is, in fact, its primary downfall. The language is so rich (with purposeful alternate spellings and a host of footnotes) that it reads like an over the top dessert. The mind almost drowns in the words of this book. As for plot, it is a rather singular study of two "magicians" and their impact on the government of England and families of the elite in whose circles they navigate.
At more than 700 pages, the book is not for the light reader. There are complexities which are revealed that may be lost on anyone without a smattering of understanding of English culture or history. The madness of King George, Wellington's view on the Napoleanic war and the class system in England are all touched upon in Clarke's work. This is in addition to a created mythology surrounding northern English folktales and lore.
Ms. Clarke's work is slow. It unwinds much as real life might, with periods of little activity and not much plot development. Many of her critical characeters exist in only the barest sketch of detail, while several ancilliary persons are well fleshed out and detailed. I found this inconsistency frustrating as I frequently wanted to know more about some individuals and found myself invested in lesser characters. The two characters who most struck me for their portrayals were Jonathan Strange, the upstart magician, and a servant, Stephen Black. It was the latter character who evoked the greatest symapthy and connection (or connexxion - as Ms. Clarke woud write it). Black's struggle between duty and desire was both relevant and real. I commend Ms. Clarke for capturing this so well in her text.
If you are prepared for a deep and detailed work which will likely lead one to further read about the period - by all means take up this book. However, be warned - there are few shallow spots upon which to rest.
Book Review: Rational Thaumaturgy? Ask the Gentleman with the thistle down hair to explain it to you if you can.
Summary: 5 Stars
Very few times one comes across a book that is completely original, with characters that are unique and very well developed. I can't believe the amount of information found in this book, and I really found the footnotes very helpful, and conveniently located at the bottom of the same page you're reading
Here in this book, we see the struggle of practice vs. theory. One magician is innovative, willing to experiment and to spread his magical knowledge, while the other only wants to keep all knowledge to himself. One knows the dangers of conjuring Faeries and other worldly creatures, while the other seeks the help of the dangerous Faeries. (I won't say which one is which).
I love when a writer includes famous colorful characters in his or her stories. Clarke includes Duke Wellington, Napoleon, and Lord Byron, the irresolute poet who befriends Strange in Venice. Cross reference to various magicians from the past, gives this book an unprecedented authenticity, considering is a fantasy story. The magic is described so subtlety, that it might appear that such things really happened, and will happen again, unlike Harry Potter, for example.
Love Clarke's inventive, from the hilarious flying pineapples , the candles inside people's heads, to the magical fleet, the disappearing roads, all speak of a vivid imagination, and impressive talent as a story teller.
Her view of a magical realm is so different from what one expects. No glittering halls, no magic wands, no wizards no rainbows not a single sunny day, or starry nights. All is gloom, sadness and melancholy. Long halls, abandoned gardens, mysterious mirrors, and empty parlors, and in the middle of it all, an enchanted servant and two enchanted ladies longing for their release.
After reading this book, you won't look at a cloudy day the same way, and every time you hear the sound of a lonely bell, you will expect to see the gentleman with the thistle down hair wearing a bright green coat coming your way.
5 stars