Today, we will be reviewing the debut novel of Susanna Clarke titled Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. The novel is about bringing magic back to England. Keep reading for our book review and to see if this fantasy novel should be your next read!
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Summary
The novel takes place in the 19th century in northern England. A group called The Learned Society of York Magicians (they practice theoretical magic and can’t do magic themselves) want to bring magic back to England. They come across Mr Norrell, a magician that plans on bringing back magic to England.
He moves to London and befriends Christopher Drawlight and the shrewd Henry Lascelles and enters high society. But he soon realizes that bringing back magic is not as easy as he once thought. An opportunity arises when Sir Walter Pole’s wife, Emma Wintertowne, suddenly passes away. Using magic, Mr Norrell brings her back to life, suddenly making him famous overnight.
A prophecy is told to Mr Norrell bt Vinculus about a nameless slave and two magicians but he ignores it altogether. Jonathan Strange comesacross Vinculus on a journey and is given a piece of paper. That starts Strange’s journey into becoming a magician like Mr Norrell.
Strange become’s Mr Norrell’s apprentice but they view magic differently. And eventually, Strange’s newfound success leads him to new oppurtunities and misfortune. Who will come out and at what cost?
A Fantasy Novel Unlike Anything Else
The premise of this novel makes this a novel that is unlike anything else out there. It is a interesting and fun plot with a bunch of unique characters. Mr Norrell and Jonathan Strange are two of many characters that you will love or hate.
Published in 2004 by Susanna Clarke, the novel feels like it could have been written a century prior. If you love fantasy novels or magic, then this is a must read. You know you have written an amazing novel when fantasy author Neil Gaiman says that the novel is “unquestionably the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last 70 years”
Conclusion
Coming across amazing fantasy novels is an awesome feeling. And this novel reminded me why I love this genre. If you haven’t read this novel, the what are you waiting for? Happy reading!
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