![]() Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell tells the sprawling, Dickensian story of a great magical rivalry in early 19th century England. While so much fantasy that comes from within the SFF publishing and fandom culture has, for good or ill, remained largely imitative - many writers are trying to be either Martin or Pratchett, and the movies have persuaded some to try to be Tolkien again - it has taken a new crop of writers who haven’t necessarily cut their teeth within the culture and absorbed its tropes and clichés (and so many of them are British) to bring fresh ideas and approaches to fantasy at long last. ![]() In her debut, Susanna Clarke knocks it out of the park and into low-earth orbit. It’s no surprise that the back of the dust jacket features a fawning quote from Neil Gaiman this is precisely the kind of book he’s been trying to write all his career. Breathtakingly original, it defies conventions and expectations at every turn while you get to sit back and watch its story unfold with a big fat smile on your face. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is the best fantasy novel of its year, perhaps of the last several years. Share book reviews and ratings with Thomas, and even join a book club on Goodreads.įor once, believe the hype. Book cover artwork is copyrighted by its respective artist and/or publisher. ![]() ![]() All reviews and site design © by Thomas M. ![]()
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