For a book about magic this is the most uninspired writing I have ever read. How can anyone make an exciting toping such as magic and turn it into an extreemely boring book is beyond me. The style and language is archaic. At least when Victorian writers wrote in that style they were modern, even ahead of their times. If you like the style, read Jane Austen or better yet read Charlotte Bronte or Fanny Burney. They may not contain magic but make for a much more interesting read. At least when they have footnotes, they are not put in to give ambiance of a classic novel and are not full of bogous history. And if you are interested in magic, read Kelley Armstrong's Industrial Magic, Robin Hobb's Farseer triology, or Anne Bishop's Black Jewel triology. You would definitely find better developed, exciting, interesting fantasy as well as a more fluid narration. If you enjoy a modern writer writing a historical, you'll find Diana Gabaldon's work more interesting. But if you are suffering from insomnia, this is definitely the choice for you. For a book written by a woman, the female characters in this book are very uninspired and completely under developed (almost barely there). I am amazed anyone would give good reviews to this book let alone a literary award. Oh well ...Read full review
"Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke has gotten great reviews and won a few awards, but I did not like this book at all, mainly for 2 reasons. First of all, the book is written in a style that's difficult to read. But that could be overlooked if not for the second thing, which is, while there are a few good parts, overall the story/plot is uninteresting. Not only is the book long (alomst 800 pages), but most of the chapters are long as well. There are several times when I finish a chapter and then think to myself this one chapter could have been broken into two or three chapters. The only reason why I managed to finish the book was because I was in the "I have to finish what I started" mindset. Utimately, maybe I'm in the minority, but this book was just not for me. Perhaps if I was to pick it up years from now and give a second look, I might like it. After all, I didn't like most of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy when I first read it and thought it was boring and uninteresting, but then about ten years later I read for the second time and loved it. (Of course, you should take into consideration that I was only 11 the first time I read LOTR). To sum up, while "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" is not for me, perhaps you might want to give it a try, since it did get many good reviews. Maybe pick it up from a local library. Maybe you'll like it. However, "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" does not get a recommendation from me.Read full review
I'm not the type of person to take on an 800+ page book, but Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell was well worth the effort. Susanna Clarke's entire book is extremely well-written and entertaining. The engaging story focuses on the efforts of two magicians to bring magic back to England in the 1800s. Clarke succeeds in crafting her own mythology, complete with footnotes, well-developed characters, and incredible imagery -- ranging from Strange helping the English fight Napoleon's army in Spain to detailed descriptions of fairy kingdoms. Although the first 180 pages start out slow, as a whole the novel leaves you longing for more. I wouldn't be surprised to see a movie adaptation in the future.
I love this book and the film! I have seen it 4 times, read it once, and about to read it again. Susanna Clarke is an outstanding writer.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Fans of adult magic will love this. Filled with satire, great characters and a fine plot. Good to read with DVD version available. A+++++
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book is an excellent read. It is quite long, 800+ pages and that makes it a book that you will have to pick up over and over again. No matter. The book is written in a way that enfolds you in the storyline and takes you with it from the first chapter to the end. This book was recommended to me by a great lover of books, my brother and it is amazing. I found myself wishing for the storyline to continue as if I had walked into a Harry Potter saga. This book is well worth the time it will take you to read it. I am extremely pleased with it.
You either love this book or hate it. I am in love with this book. I normally read 18th and 19th literature and I adore Gothic Lit (from 1760-1825) and this book is like a resurrection of a long dead writing style. Clarke knows her writing. It's another world, another time....yet timeless. It is NOT Harry Potter...not even close. It's like comparing junk to priceless treasure and whoever first compared the 2 should have their library card taken away! If you like the typical modern novel, with hack writing...where it practically spells it all out for you...this isn't for you. This isn't modern instant gratification reading....this is art.
Humour, crafted into a Novel, disguised as an Antique; Brilliant. Those who look for escape by devouring fantasy paperbacks and choclate should look elsewhere. This book is not for them. However, if you have ever read anything BESIDES rubish, you may find this one of your favourites. It is written as historical fiction, which HAPPENS to include elements of Farce and Fantasy. I found the combination irresistable. To the author: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for the experience.
It was a gift for a friend. He loved it!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Perfect state, beautiful book!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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