Weekly Reader - Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Welcome to my weekly reader book recommendations - Week #2! Last week I wrote about The Giver, a juvenile fiction book by Lois Lowry. I'm a huge fiction fan, but thought I'd switch to an adult novel for this week.


Meet Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Novel, by Susanna Clarke. This is, by far, one of the best pieces of fictional literature I have read in a while. It is an investment to read - but I am deeply impressed by any book that leaves you wanting nothing but more after 800 pages.

The story starts in the early 1800s. English magicians once used to lead the world; now they only write papers. The practice of magic is dead... until Mr. Norrell comes along. A scholar from the countryside, he gains attention throughout the country after he raises a woman from the dead. He is a quiet, awkward, academic man. He helps the government fight against and confuse Napoleon's army. All is well. Until, that is, Jonathan Strange makes his appearance. He is everything Mr. Norrell is not - young, charming, popular, and exciting. He experiments with magic in a way Mr. Norrell considers reckless and wins the affections of the public. Mr. Norrell takes Strange on as an apprentice, and the two help the British fight the French. Soon, however, the two men begin to go separate ways. Mr. Norell is haunted by actions in the past and Strange's explorations into the world of the ancient Faerie lord - the Raven King - take him down dangerous paths that threaten to destroy all he holds dear.

Clarke's adventure is wonderfully woven, with magic being portrayed as exciting, yet hard work laden with responsibility and risk. The story is incredibly imaginative and the plot constantly building; the history present throughout the book (reference notes, articles, stories, etc.) is reminiscent of Tolkien's. Although it did take me a few chapters before I was thoroughly hooked (I was still definitely interested), after that point I simply couldn't put it down.

Also, there is apparently a movie version being made, with a 2010 release date. I don't know much more about it than that, but if it happens, now is the perfect time to start reading. That way, you can be more than just a bandwagon fan when the movie comes out - you'll be one of the cool people who read the book and can really comment on the movie's merits. =) So, get reading!