Title: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Author: Susanna Clarke
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication Date: September 8, 2004
ISBN: 9781582344164
Number of Pages: 782
How I Got It: personal collection
Format: hardcover
Goodreads Description:
At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England--until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight. Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.
My Review:
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for years and I've thought it would be a perfect read for the month of October. This year I decided I would hunker down and read the doorstopper. It took me quite a while to finish not just because of the length but because I haven't had a lot of reading time for the last couple months. Well, after all that time spent on reading it, I completed it and thought "That's it?" I liked the magic and the characters but there was a lot of battles and military stuff that I am not interested in at all. As historical fiction, I am okay with some history but I was snoring through a bunch of the government, Napoleon, and soldiers details. I'm glad I read this but I won't be recommending it to anyone.
***Disclaimer:: I was given a copy of this release in exchange for an honest review. I received no additional compensation. ***
3 comments
It's interesting that you didn't like it, Rhiannon. I know people who did enjoy it. I have it on Kindle version but tackling it while blogging seems a daunting prospect. It's simply too long.
I love long books and magic. I was deep into the relationship between these two men: such typically male competition but in the unique arena of magic. I always find Napoleonic history somewhat annoying and tiresome, but the idea that magicians had a hand in those battles was intriguing. I can also see that the book would not be to everyone's taste. Well done for getting it read!
Carmen, my blogging is pretty sad lately. I'm trying to get back on track but I've been spending a lot of time on my work and personal writing, leaving little time to blog or read.
Judy, I think you put your finger right on it "typically male competition" *ugh* not what I want to read about during my precious reading time. I'm glad I read it. I didn't hate it but it won't be going on my favorites list either.
Thank you both for commenting. I truly appreciate it.
Post a Comment