Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Rival magicians join battle in an opulent historical tale that will be considered as “Harry Potter” for grownups decades later. However, English novelist Clarke's magnificent debut is much greater than Harry Potter. It is an engrossing narrative of ambition and deadly struggle rooted in folklore and tradition. The story was enlivened by detailed characterizations and an omniscient authorial voice.

The tale begins with a conference of "gentleman-magicians" in Yorkshire in 1807, during the Napoleonic Wars. The participants' educational pursuits are bolstered by a prophecy that “two magicians will return magic to England one day." They would later be spurred by Gilbert Norrell - a fastidious pedant - and by dashing, gloomy Jonathan Strange, who has managed to convince Lord Wellington to combat French soldiers by magical powers. Lots of things happen after that in “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell”.

Nothing in other fantasy works could compare to the force with which Clarke conjures up this fantastic tale. However, there is still a minor drawback. The conclusion, in which Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell plan to summon the King, occurs much too fast, despite the book's impressive length.

Author: Susanna Clarke

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