Hatrack River Forum: Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

This is topic Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Just another Dharma bum (Member # 6879) on :

This is an amazing book which is written as a historical record of English magic. If anyone is into good fiction or fantasy or even Harry Potter, I'm sure you'd love this book.

Has anyone else read it?

Posted by bunbun (Member # 6814) on :

Me! Me! Me!

I loved it!

What was your favorite part?

I loved the end--not that I will give it away here.

Eve

Posted by Just another Dharma bum (Member # 6879) on :

I know I did too! But the whole thing was really interesting, I've never read a book written like that before. I loved the sometimes dark humor it had as well.

Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :

I've been toying with reading it, but it's so big and imposing and the stack of books on my bed is already so large...

However, if it's as good as you say, then I'll add it to the list, which means that I'll read it eventually, even if it's a year from now. [Razz]

Posted by bunbun (Member # 6814) on :

I really liked the story bundling qualities it had--it takes a while to build into a cohesive storyline, but the footnotes are fabulous little asides.

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

I have also read it (got it for Christmas) and have been telling people to read it, albeit quietly [Wink]

.

I liked it very much. It didn't blow me away, but I did really like it. The historical/magical/practical combination was pleasing. It wasn't a difficult book to read, although long and slightly slow moving- I think it is often considered 'a bit slow' by readers. I never found it boring, only complex and in a way very gentle and very exciting at the same time.

[Smile]

Posted by bunbun (Member # 6814) on :

Apparently she wrote it over about ten years.

Painstakingly. I have to agree that it was a bit slow going at some points. Also, she never came back to some of the magical personalities, which I found really disappointing. However, in the long run the footnotes, and clues kept you guessing and wondering.

Overall, the story of Jonathan & Mr. Norrell just gets really "textured" with the old magic. I liked that, after I thought about it.

Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :

I loved it. My favorite part was when the gentleman with the thistle-down hair was telling Stephen how he got his name. I was laughing so hard I fell off the couch.

Jen

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

It is, beyond any doubt or discussion, my second-favorite book of all time. In almost all ways, it is measurably perfect.