*Review* Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Publisher: Bloomsbury/Audible
Release Date: 2004

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy/Magic, Historical Fiction 

Source: Purchased from Audible

Rating: 4/5

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Goodreads Synopsis
At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England--until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight.

Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.

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For years, I've been wanting to read this book. However, I've always been a little scared off by the fact that it's a bit of a beast. And I'd tried to read the beginning of the book several times, but it seemed too dense and dry to even continue. I decided, however, to give it one more shot and listen to the audio book. 

Best. Decision. Ever.

Guys, if you're like me, and have tried to read this book and couldn't handle it, give the audio book a shot. Because A) the narration is wonderful and B) this book is so fantastic!

I won't lie, the beginning was a little confusing, because there seemed to be a lot of characters right off the bat, and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on, but if you can push past that first chapter, you will not regret your decision to listen to this book.

I seriously couldn't stop listening. There was so much going on, and several different storylines following different characters, but Susanna Clarke manages to craft this story in a way that makes it pretty easy to follow, once you get the characters in order. Not only that, but her weaving of real historical events with her fictional magical history makes this book so much the better.

Honestly, nearly all of the characters in this book are pretty unlikable, for various reasons, but I think that fact makes the book more interesting. You have each character trying to further his or her own agenda, leading to several mysterious happenings and dodgy meetings and conspiracies. 

I'm really not sure what else to say about this book that will give it proper justice, other than I promise it is very much worth the time to read and you won't regret it.

Until next time,

xox