Staff Pick
A fantasy book of manners? Yes, and it works! Original and clever, this lush novel comments on the society and culture of magic. Strange and Norrell have opposing viewpoints on magic's role, and their clash provides a fabulous backdrop for this wonderful book. Just read it! It's great. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England--until the reclusive Mr. Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight.
Yet the cautious, fussy Norrell is challenged by the emergence of another magician, the brilliant novice Jonathan Strange. Young, handsome, and daring, Strange is the very opposite of Norrell. He becomes Norrell's student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.
Time #1 Book of the Year
Book Sense Book of the Year
People Top Ten Books of the Year
Winner of the Hugo Award
New York Times Notable Book of the Year
Salon.com Top Ten of 2004
Winner of the World Fantasy Award
Nancy Pearl's Top 12 Books of 2004
Washington Post Book World's Best of 2004
Christian Science Monitor Best Fiction 2004
San Francisco Chronicle Best Books of 2004
Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel
Chicago Tribune Best of 2004
Seattle Times 25 Best Books of 2004
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top 12 Books of 2004
Village Voice “Top Shelf”
Raleigh News & Observer Best of 2004
Rocky Mountain News critics' favorites of 2004
Review
"Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is unquestionably the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last seventy years." —Neil Gaiman
"Ravishing . . . Combines the dark mythology of fantasy with the delicious social comedy of Jane Austen into a masterpiece of the genre that rivals Tolkien." —Time
"Clarke's imagination is prodigious, her pacing is masterly and she knows how to employ dry humor in the service of majesty." —Gregory Maguire, The New York Times Book Review
"Magnificent and original." —Michael Dirda, The Washington Post
Synopsis
The phenomenal bestselling novel, in a new tie-in edition to the major seven-part BBC TV series costarring Bertie Carvel (Les Miserables) and Eddie Marsan (War Horse).
About the Author
Susanna Clarke lives in Derbyshire, England. She has also published The Ladies of Grace Adieu, a short story collection.