Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

Let me say two things about Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell:

1. This is one of the finest novels I have ever read. Ever.
2. You might hate it.

Okay, let me say more. I listened to this book on audio and, because of the language and humor, I was delighted from the very start. I listened for 32 hours and approximately 25 of those hours are rather slow. Interesting stuff happens, but nothing that's going to put you on the edge of your seat. It's leisurely and teasing. It's not clear how all of the characters and plots relate to each other. If you're ready for action, it's a bit frustrating. But the action finally does arrive and all of the characters and plots finally come together in an unexpected and satisfying way. Looking back, you realize that the plot was clever and quite tight all along.

What kept me going was that the writing is absolutely glorious. Susanna Clarke writes like Charles Dickens or Jane Austen or one of those other 19th century English novelists who we love because of the insightful and subtly witty social commentary and the plain but elegant writing style. She's right up there with the best. In fact, I can't think of anyone who writes better than Susanna Clarke. Not Tolkien, not Le Guin, not Bujold. And for this reason, I must give the book 5 stars. It is a superb novel.

Particularly fun were a few devices that I really enjoyed such as the intrusive narrator somewhat reminiscent of Thackeray's Vanity Fair, fictional characters interacting with real historical figures (Lord Byron was my favorite), and a few little alternate explanations of how some historical events in arts and literature came to be (I won't give you any examples because discovering them is the fun part).

The audiobook is also superb. The reader, Simon Prebble, is English (in case you couldn't tell by his name), and his diction, pace, and voices are perfect. I love the voice he uses for the more uncouth characters – it just sounds slimy. This was a great novel to listen to–Mr. Prebble's voices add to the dry humor–but keep in mind that it will take you 32 hours. It's quite a time investment, but well worth it.

So, I recommend that you read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell when you have the time to be patient and when you're in the mood to be delighted by a long elegant English novel. If you're in a hurry, or if you're in the mood for quests, orphan boys, sword-fighting, or dragons, don't bother.

This is the perfect book for the right reader. I can't wait to see what Susanna Clarke does next – she's brilliant!

Read more Susanna Clarke book reviews at Fantasy Literature .

Oh my goodness. I loved this book and am so glad I gave it a second chance. My dear Mr. Norrell! He is kind of like the male version of Emma Woodhouse, if she were old and not pretty and never married Mr. Knightley. He is selfish and controlling but really he means well. Mostly. This is not a Harry Potter for grownups per se. It's more about the relationships between people than the drama of plot developments. And oh, the characters! Loved it. May be my favorite of the year so far.