The plot is really episodic in its nature. The novel is divided into three volumes titled Mr Norrell, Jonathan Strange and John Uskglass, and spans some years – from autumn 1806 to spring 1817. As I would like to discuss the book here in some depth, the following review will contain spoilers. In sum, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is quite brilliant in every respect, and I cannot recommend the novel highly enough. The book’s story, format, style and language all give the impression as though the book was written back when it was set – in the 19th century. Inside the book, one will find a gripping adventure-mystery, great characterisation, unforgettable atmosphere, humorous sequences, and the masterful use of the language. Delving into the British folklore, Clarke opens up a fascinating magical world, which you will not want to leave, and takes her task quite seriously. The episodic-in-nature plot is delightful to read, and, in style, it reminds of Dickens’s Bleak House.
He finds, however, that not only the reclusive Mr Norrell has an established library filled with rare books on the practice of magic, he also claims to be a practising magician himself! Mr Norrell soon desires to establish himself as the only practising magician in the country. The profession of a practising magician has fallen in reputation, and Mr Segundus comes to inquire of another magician who lives in Yorkshire why this is the case. Practical magic has declined in England and there are apparently no practising magicians left in the country. He is a new addition to the society of magicians in York, England.
The novel begins in autumn 1806 with Mr Segundus, a theoretical magician, wanting to know why there was no more magic done in England. It is a very long book, but it is totally absorbing from the very first page. Neil Gaiman called Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell “ the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last seventy years”, and I will agree with him.
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