A review by oboerarium
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Personally not the most enjoyable reading experience. Footnotes all the way until the end and often ramblings about some academic dispute (completely fictional). However, the writing style was very interesting and detailed (sometimes a bit too detailed imho). Yet, about 200-300 pages less wouldn't have been missed if taken away.
The main characters were quite unlikable. Yet interesting. Books don't always need heroes and likables as main character, so it was a good choice made by the author. However, the likable characters that were in the book were not treated fairly and came a bit short, I'd say. Would've liked to see more of them and less "academic" rambling and footnotes. But this also is part of an amazing world building.
I still don't know from whose perspective this book is written and who is "I". Not sure if it matters anyway. Unexpectedly, it became rather dark towards the end.
This book might be triggering for some. It contains words of racism and is a bit sexist (surprised, since the author is a woman). But it also seems like a hyperbole of white male societies, especially the English ones. Topics such as slavery and female emancipation are treated in an interesting yet maybe a biy subtle way. 
In short: well crafted, but a bit long.
Recommended season: late autmn/winter 
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