Jonathan Strange And Mr Norrell Volume 2 (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
This book had stayed unread in my library for years. What a mistake! Susanna Clarke engages the reader from the first chapter in such a way that the length of the book turns from menacing to promising. It features a decorated style of writing but stays amene and light. A deep construction of characters that act naturally in the framework of the story. This is not a simple bivalent story, with Good and Evil; at most,the forces that move the characters are curiosity and fear. But no action or subplot can be easily defined by one motivation or another. The storyline is simple and original: The daily lives of two scholars in the Regency Era of Britain. In that, it reminds very strongly to other books narrating the energy, curiosity and awe of the first members of the Royal Society. Their pettiness, their dedication and the continuous research and experimentation. The trick of the story is that the matter of study is Magic, instead of Science. This book is a good story with detailed characters presented by an extraordinary writing skill. It is a book to have, to lend and to re-read eventually. I am currently reading this, and I really wish my family would just leave me alone so I could totally immerse myself in it. You have to be committed--it's about 800 pages and Ms. Clarke takes her time to build characters and give the reader the feeling that he or she is, too, living in the early nineteenth century. I read a review of this book that said to read the first chapter--if you laugh out loud, go ahead and read the book and if not, put it down. I would say that's a good idea. There are lots of little wry moments and bits of humor and truth woven in this truly spooky ghost story. I am loving it and again, just wish I could lock myself in a room somewhere and read the rest! I'm on page 550 and it's getting good! Finished it--love love love!!!! READ THIS BOOK.
What do You think about Jonathan Strange And Mr Norrell Volume 2 (2000)?
Loved it. Plan to read it again someday. I love the Raven King and Northern England forever ever.
—noodlexyloto
It's a good story...but it's a relatively slow read. Interesting, though.
—Georgina
Not sure why this book came up twice on my currently reading list...
—nicolle
