Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell Reviews

I admit when I first saw this book I was reluctant to read it - not because of the subject. I like books about magic and history, but because of the size. From the beginning, however, Clarke's writing pulled me into this world in which magic is studied and practiced, used and misunderstood. I especially liked the interactions between Norrell and Strange and the ones between the servant Stephen Black and the faery gentleman with the thistle-down hair.

I tend to read before going to bed, and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is so dense and rich, I was making slow progress in the book. I took it on a sun holiday with me and spent hours by the pool completely engrossed by this book. And I enjoyed every minute I spent in the world created by Susanna Clarke.

Deeply satisfying and highly recommended. Especially for those long, relaxing sun holidays.