Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

This book has it all: history, drama, magic, romance, conflict, action and touches of humor. There are interesting characters to root for or to hate. I really loved reading this and did not want it to end.

The story is set up as a rivalry between two magicians, Strange and Norell. Strange doesn't show up until a fourth of the way in, but you're already on his side before you meet him. Norrell is vain, secretive, paranoid, elitist, and cowardly. Plus he's a liar and a hypocrite who quietly sits by and takes no responsibility when his own action causes so much suffering. Strange on the other hand is self-involved, impulsive, and neglectful but also brave, witty, and resourceful. Much easier to like.

It's almost perfect but short of five stars for me because the rivalry story was not as tightly wound into the story of the actual villain as I would have liked. When it comes to the climatic moments of the story, heroic actions that should have been taken by Strange or Norrell go to other supporting characters, making it just short of perfectly satisfying. (There's nothing wrong with a book that doesn't go the conventional route with character development, it just didn't work for me in this particular case.)