2005: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Description

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is an epic tale of the rebirth of magic in nineteenth-century England. Taking place among the regular historical occurrences of the time, the main difference between this world and ours is that magic is real and works. Rather – it did work, until everyone began to study the theory of magic instead of doing magic.But then, to everyone's great surprise, emerges Mr. Norrell, a magician who can do magic. He takes society by storm when he brings a young woman back from the dead and becomes one of the main reasons Napoleon hasn't overrun the British navy. Then, Jonathan Strange shows up. Another gentleman, who also practices real magic, he becomes the pupil of Mr. Norrell. Magic is disputed, and two great magical minds fight against a background of evil fairies, high kings, and the spirit of sorcery in England.Why it's on the listSusanna Clark managed to write an entirely enjoyable novel. Her expert use of diction helped create a unique tone that makes any reader consume the book as fast as possible.Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell has it all: memorable and richly drawn characters, vivid setting, poignant atmosphere, action, adventure, humor, horror, and writing that is pitch perfect on every page. You will also like the fact that it's long - when a story is this enchanting you want the experience to last a while.This novel defies comparison to any other novels; it's in a class by itself. But if someone was to compare it to something else it'd probably be most accurate to compare it to something written in the 19th century, like Dickens. The story ends in a satisfying way and in one that's true to its internal logic, but Clarke leaves just enough unfinished to provide the perfect premise for a future novel.

About the Author

Clarke, Susanna

Susanna Clarke is a British author best known for her debut novel "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell." The novel, published in 2004, is set in an alternate version of 19th-century England where magic is real and follows the story of two magicians who attempt to restore magic to the country."Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" received critical acclaim upon its release and won several awards, including the Hugo Award, the World Fantasy Award, and the Mythopoeic Award. The novel has been described as a work of historical fiction, fantasy, and satire, and is known for its rich language and extensive footnotes.After the success of her debut novel, Clarke suffered from health problems and took a break from writing for several years. She eventually returned to writing and published a collection of short stories, "The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories," in 2006. She is currently working on a new novel, "Piranesi," which was released in 2020 to critical acclaim. Clarke's writing is known for its lush and detailed descriptions, intricate world-building, and skillful blend of genres.

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Other Books by Clarke, Susanna

Jonathan Strange And Mr. Norrell

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