Monday, February 22, 2010
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Starts out slow, but flowers into an interesting and magical book. I'm not sure I would recommend it, but I did enjoy the story. It's difficult when one of the main characters is so unlikable. Plus the book is written like a historical text full of foot notes, which can get a bit tedious.
Norrell is a whiny, selfish man. I'm not actually sure it's redemption he gets at the end, but you accept him for who he is. He actually seems to understand his faults. Strange is very likable in the beginning, but becomes more ambiguous towards the end.
What is done masterfully in the book is intertwining actual historical events with the story of magic without coming off silly. Napolean, Duke of Wellington, George III and Lord Byron make appearances or are referred to in the story.
The characters that are consider to be "lower classes" by the 2 magicians are who ultimately rise and prevail in the story. The underestimated powers of women and minorities are what finally save England.
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The next book to read is A Lion Amoung Men (book 3 in the Wicked series)
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