Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

[m_oonmoon]

I finally finished re-reading this giant book. I don't think my sentiments have changed much from my first read. Describing it as a fantasy novel about two magicians doesn't quite capture the essence of what the book is. You need to let go of some preconceived notions of what a fantasy novel is because this Clarke manages to create a new life into the genre. It's about magicians, sure, but there isn't much emphasis on the magic per se. There isn't even an exposition on how the magic system works in this novel. Magic just happens to be the backdrop of the novel's events but is hardly ever the focus. This reads more like a history text sometimes which adds to its appeal.


I think the best thing about it is its plethora of engaging characters. Even the main characters, whose follies are the cause of much frustration, are still entertaining despite not being particularly likable.

It will come as no surprise that my main gripe is its length. Although it was fun, I felt that given how the ending did nothing to tie the story neatly, then its immense length feels unjustified. I am not suggesting that stories are not allowed to have loose endings. However, in this case, it felt very unsatisfying to have labored through a thousand pages and still have arrived at no definite conclusion.

I still highly recommend this, though.