loopluc's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thomasgoddard's review against another edition
5.0
Few writers could convince me to spend any real time in a fantasy world. Much less a fantasy book which adds in alternative history. But I think that Susanna Clarke was more than a match for my reluctance.
.
.
I received this one up because I got given it through the book trade as a celebration of her upcoming (at the time) novel Piranesi. It lingered on my shelf, ashamedly. I finally took it up recently because her new book was released to such fanfare and a colleague picked it up. So I figured. Why not? Why not give this first novel a try. It got great reviews. Let's step out of my comfort zone. Especially as the last book I read was bleak!
.
.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is spectacular. There's no other word for it.
.
.
A blend of alternate history, matched with folklore and literature and world drama. Two men who cut a path that shows how destiny is never quite as clear as you think. Even if it is written.
.
.
Dozens of little twists conspire to reward the reader with breathtakingly exact eureka moments. And all the while the storytelling is detailed, resplendent and forceful.
.
.
A bookish academic and a charismatic prodigy carry the story between them with a supporting cast of completely fleshed-out characters. Set in a world as rich as our own but with more riches piled up in the guise of other worlds that exist alongside it. I registered so many references to myth and fairytale. It's a masterpiece of narrative. It managed to contain these elements but in a way that felt entirely fresh, original and vibrant.
.
.
And the footnotes! They extend upon the world and pepper the pages with intrigues that send the mind swirling into wonderment.
.
.
If you love fantasy, folklore, mythology, drama, historical fiction, mystery or surreal fiction... Pick up this book.
.
.
But you'll need both hands, it's massive!
.
.
I received this one up because I got given it through the book trade as a celebration of her upcoming (at the time) novel Piranesi. It lingered on my shelf, ashamedly. I finally took it up recently because her new book was released to such fanfare and a colleague picked it up. So I figured. Why not? Why not give this first novel a try. It got great reviews. Let's step out of my comfort zone. Especially as the last book I read was bleak!
.
.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is spectacular. There's no other word for it.
.
.
A blend of alternate history, matched with folklore and literature and world drama. Two men who cut a path that shows how destiny is never quite as clear as you think. Even if it is written.
.
.
Dozens of little twists conspire to reward the reader with breathtakingly exact eureka moments. And all the while the storytelling is detailed, resplendent and forceful.
.
.
A bookish academic and a charismatic prodigy carry the story between them with a supporting cast of completely fleshed-out characters. Set in a world as rich as our own but with more riches piled up in the guise of other worlds that exist alongside it. I registered so many references to myth and fairytale. It's a masterpiece of narrative. It managed to contain these elements but in a way that felt entirely fresh, original and vibrant.
.
.
And the footnotes! They extend upon the world and pepper the pages with intrigues that send the mind swirling into wonderment.
.
.
If you love fantasy, folklore, mythology, drama, historical fiction, mystery or surreal fiction... Pick up this book.
.
.
But you'll need both hands, it's massive!
goddamnstrawberrymilk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
coballe's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Minor: Death, Racism, Murder, War, and Dementia
btemplet's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
denlia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
seismatic's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0