Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is one of the most enjoyable novels I've read in some time. It sucked me in from the opening chapter and I found myself at the end of its almost 800 pages sooner than I expected. It's fantasy - it deals with magic in England. But it is also erudite historical fiction, sending the reader into England in the early 19th century, in the midst of her struggle with Napoleon Bonaparte. In terms of quality of writing, subtle humor, depth of character, and believable historical setting, Clarke is brilliant. The novel brings to mind what might have resulted from an imagined collaboration between Dorothy Dunnett and J.K. Rowling. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is somewhat of a more mature Harry Potter, although I'm hesitant to make that comparison because while it is generally true, there is a great deal more to be said that differentiates the two.

In England at the time of the novel, magic is all but lost. There are societies of magicians, but they are purely theoretical magicians. There hasn't been a practical magician who has performed actual magic in England for some time. But the Society of York Magicians know of a loner by the name of Mr Norrell who has remained on his estate at Hurtfew Abby for years and years without contact with anyone in the outside world. Hurtfew is rumored to hold a vast library of books of magic. (Different from books on magic, which are simply about magical history. Books of magic contain useful information such as spells.) Norrell reluctantly makes a demonstration to the Society of his magical prowess, and decides to move to London to revive English magic. Along the way he learns that he is not the sole practicing magician in England - there is also the young Jonathan Strange, who becomes his pupil. Together the two study magic, improve their spellcasting, and dedicate themselves to helping England through the use of magic. At one point Strange travels to Portugal to aid Wellington in the Peninsular War. There are battles, fairies, the dead coming to life, the Raven King, magicians making themselves go mad, old ladies eating dead mice, enchantments, Eternal Darness, and more.

Clarke creates an entire history of English magic. There are extensive footnotes throughout the novel, referencing old magicians, bits of history, folklore, famous magicians, and magical texts to the point that the reader starts believing that there actually is a history of English magic. Clarke is serious but playful as well, with a good deal of understated humor throughout and several memorable characters.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is pure enjoyment. An excellent novel.