Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Susanna Clarke

Jun 2010 · Bloomsbury Publishing USA

About this ebook

In the Hugo-award winning, epic New York Times Bestseller and basis for the BBC miniseries, two men change England's history when they bring magic back into the world.

In the midst of the Napoleonic Wars in 1806, most people believe magic to have long since disappeared from England - until the reclusive Mr. Norrell reveals his powers and becomes an overnight celebrity.

Another practicing magician then emerges: the young and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's pupil, and the two join forces in the war against France.

But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wild, most perilous forms of magic, and he soon risks sacrificing his partnership with Norrell and everything else he holds dear.

Susanna Clarke's brilliant first novel is an utterly compelling epic tale of nineteenth-century England and the two magicians who, first as teacher and pupil and then as rivals, emerge to change its history.

Ratings and reviews

An intricately crafted work, this book enthralled me. The use of antiquated language was perfectly balanced with modern pacing to make the book feel authentically 19th century while remaining compelling. It was never boring and the depth of the magic ramped up subtly and inexorably until I myself was wondering at the utility of madness. A brilliant book, I thoroughly enjoyed every page and sighed with pleasure when I finished.

I read this book when it was first written. It was hard (for me) to get into it at the beginning, but I kept reading anyway - & was very glad I did. It turned out to be an awesome tale that really pulled me in, & I couldn't put the book down. I was sad to get to the end. The Netflix series seems pretty cool too, from what I've watched so far. 😊👍👍

If you haven't read this book yet, you've been missing out on what great, enthralling storytelling is all about! I read or listen to this book every couple years or so because it's got everything you'd ever want in a story. Its definitely worth your time seeing as it even has some great fictional footnotes. A must-read if ever there was one.

About the author

Susanna Clarke is the author of the The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories and the New York Times bestseller and Hugo Award–winning Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. She lives in England.