Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

by Susanna Clarke
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £25.00
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Format • £23.75
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  • ID: 3024
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
thebookbrief.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2021-02-13
enchanting 4.50

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a rich, detailed, and enchanting novel that blends fantasy and historical fiction with Victorian satire. The characters, particularly the contrasting magicians Strange and Norrell, are brilliantly portrayed, making it a unique and captivating read despite its length.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a long but rewarding read, filled with intricate details and luscious descriptions that bring an alternative Victorian England to life. The blend of fantasy and historical fiction, along with Austen-style satire and witty dialogue, makes it a unique and enchanting experience. The characterisation of Strange and Norrell, as polar opposites bound by their passion for magic, is particularly brilliant. While the book isn't perfect and may require some skimming, it's a unique story and a standout example of modern literature.

Quick quotes

    This book is long, but it's rich in detail, luscious descriptions and an enchanting, intriguing plot.

    One of the places this book excels — aside from the incredibly authentic Victorian feel and magical, evocative language — is the characterisation.

    For me, it wasn’t perfect — I can’t lie, there was probably a little skimming in places — but it’s a unique story and an example of modern literature at its very best.

Offbeat Book Club · 2020-10-14
intriguing 4.20

The book centres around two magicians with opposing viewpoints on the history and application of English magic. The story is captivating and offers a unique perspective on magic and its role in society.

This review focuses on the central conflict between the two magicians and their differing views on the history and application of English magic. The reviewer finds the story captivating and appreciates the unique perspective it offers on magic and its role in society. The characters are well-developed, and their opposing viewpoints add depth to the narrative. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to weave a compelling story around the themes of magic and its historical context, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The intricate details and the exploration of the characters' beliefs contribute to a rich and satisfying reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It centres around two magicians, with very opposing viewpoints on the history and application of English magic.

    The story is captivating and offers a unique perspective on magic and its role in society.

    The characters are well-developed, and their opposing viewpoints add depth to the narrative.

Fantasy Hive · 2017-12-12
fantastic 5.00

The book is described as gorgeous and the reviewer expresses their love for it. The story is captivating and the characters are well-developed.

The reviewer expresses their love for the book, describing it as gorgeous and captivating. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the intricate plot, which keeps the reader engaged throughout. The reviewer also notes that the book is a delightful read, with a well-crafted narrative that makes it a memorable experience. The historical setting is vividly depicted, adding depth to the story and making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    I'm running out of ways to express how much I loved this book, so I'll end with an incoherent string of adjectives.

    Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is gorgeous.

    The story is captivating and the characters are well-developed, making it a delightful read.

The Guardian · 2015-12-30
great 4.00

The book features a colourful cast of charming characters that are well-written, well-used, and well-developed. The historical setting is richly detailed and immersive.

The reviewer praises the book for its colourful cast of charming characters, noting that they are well-written, well-used, and well-developed. The historical setting is described as richly detailed and immersive, adding depth to the story. The reviewer appreciates the intricate details and the overall satisfying experience of reading the book. They highlight the unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy, making it a standout read. The characters' development and the richly detailed setting contribute to a memorable and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall the reader was gifted a colourful cast of charming characters - well written, well used and well developed.

    It is by now probably little surprise that the novel is so richly detailed and immersive.

    The historical setting is richly detailed and immersive, adding depth to the story.

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