An overview of
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
by Susannah Clarke
2.Bloomsburya
a.2004
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell summarized (in two sentences or less)
Two English magicians, the reclusive Mr. Norrell and the adventurous Jonathan Strange, revive the lost art of magic in 19th-century Britain. Their partnership turns sour, leading to a magical duel that intertwines with historical events, faerie realms, and the fate of England itself.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Trivia and/or (Un)fun Facts
Author's Debut: This was Susanna Clarke's debut novel, and it took her a whopping ten years to write it.
Critical Acclaim: The book won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2005. Not too shabby for a first-timer.
Historical Mashup: The novel blends real historical events with magical elements, creating its own unique genre—think Jane Austen meets J.R.R. Tolkien.
Footnotes Galore: The book is famous for its extensive footnotes, which provide a faux-historical context for the magical world. It's like a novel within a novel.
TV Adaptation: The BBC adapted it into a seven-part miniseries in 2015. If you're too lazy to read 1,000+ pages, you can binge-watch it.
Limited Magic: Unlike many fantasy novels, the magic here is not all-powerful or easily controlled. It's as fickle and unpredictable as the English weather.
Napoleonic Wars: The book is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, and even features Lord Wellington as a character.
Literary Inspirations: Clarke has cited Charles Dickens and the aforementioned Jane Austen as inspirations for her writing style.
Thematic Depth: The novel explores themes of power, madness, and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.
Cult Following: Despite its length and complexity, the book has garnered a cult following and is considered a modern classic in fantasy literature.
Why Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Is Challenging
Footnotes: The footnotes are like a whole other book. They add depth but can also disrupt the flow of the story.
Pacing: The novel starts slow, focusing on world-building and character development. It's not a quick, action-packed read.
Complexity: Multiple storylines, historical references, and a plethora of characters can make it hard to keep track of who's who and what's what.
Language: The book mimics 19th-century prose, which is charming but can also be a bit cumbersome for modern readers.
Nuanced Magic: The magic system is intricate and not always fully explained, leaving some readers scratching their heads.
Historical Context: If you're not familiar with the Napoleonic Wars or 19th-century British society, some references might go over your head.
Thematic Depth: It tackles heavy themes like power, madness, and morality, which can be mentally taxing.
Ambiguity: Not everything is neatly tied up in the end, leaving some readers unsatisfied or puzzled.
Why Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Is Worth Reading
So, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a masterclass in blending fake history with real history. Susanna Clarke takes the Napoleonic Wars, real-life figures like Lord Wellington, and the social norms of 19th-century England, and then says, "You know what this needs? Magic."
The genius part? She makes it all feel authentic. The book comes with footnotes that cite fictional books, magical scholars, and events as if they're as real as the Battle of Waterloo. It's like Clarke created an alternate universe where magic is just another part of British history, as natural as tea and crumpets.
This blend gives the story a unique texture. You're not just reading a fantasy novel; you're reading a historical document from a world where magicians helped shape the course of European history. It's like a secret history lesson, but way more fun.
Who Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Is For
Fantasy Lovers: If you dig wizards, spells, and alternate realities, this is your jam.
History Buffs: The book is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, so if you get a kick out of historical settings, you're in for a treat.
Literary Types: The writing style is rich and intricate, echoing 19th-century prose. If you appreciate good literature, you'll feel right at home.
Detail-Oriented Readers: With its footnotes and complex world-building, this book rewards those who love to dive deep.
Patient Readers: The pacing is slow at first, so it's best suited for those who don't mind a slow burn.
Intellectuals: Themes of power, morality, and the human condition are explored, making it a good fit for those who like to ponder big questions.
Mashup Fans: If you love genre-bending works that defy easy categorization, you'll find this novel intriguing.
How to Read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Pace Yourself: It's a long book, buddy. Don't rush; savor the details and the language.
Bookmark the Footnotes: They're a treasure trove of extra info and lore. You might want to read them separately or alongside the main text, depending on your style.
Keep a Character List: With a sprawling cast, it's easy to get lost. Jot down names and a quick note about who's who.
Embrace the Slow Burn: The story takes its time to heat up. Stick with it, and you'll be rewarded.
Consult a History Book: If you're not up on your 19th-century British history or the Napoleonic Wars, a quick refresher can enrich your reading experience.
Take Breaks: Given the book's density, stepping away can help you digest the story and themes.
Discuss with Others: This book is a goldmine for discussion. Whether it's online forums or a book club, talking it out can offer new perspectives.
Read Aloud: Some of the prose is downright poetic. Try reading passages aloud to really appreciate the language.
Don't Skip Anything: Even if it seems unimportant, every detail contributes to the world-building and atmosphere.
Enjoy the Ride: Above all, let yourself get lost in this unique, intricate world. It's not just a book; it's an experience.
Discussion Questions about Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Research Prompts for Postdocs:
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Epistemological Inquiry: How does the novel challenge our understanding of what is knowable, especially in the context of magic as a "science"?
Colonialism and Imperialism: How does the novel engage with themes of British colonialism, especially through its portrayal of magic as a tool for empire-building?
Intertextuality: How does Clarke's work converse with the literary canon, particularly 19th-century literature? What does it borrow, and what does it subvert?
Narrative Structure: What is the impact of the novel's extensive use of footnotes? How do they function as a secondary narrative, and what do they reveal about the story's epistemology?
Gender Dynamics: How does the novel critique or uphold 19th-century gender roles, especially through characters like Lady Pole and Arabella?
Metafictional Elements: How does the novel's self-awareness as a fictional historical account affect its credibility and immersion?
Magic as Metaphor: What does magic symbolize in the novel, and how does it serve as a lens to explore societal norms, power dynamics, and human psychology?
Historiography: How does the novel engage with the writing and interpretation of history, especially when it blurs the lines between real and fictional events?
Moral Ambiguity: How does the novel handle the ethics of magic, especially in the context of war and interpersonal relationships?
Postmodernism: In what ways does the novel employ postmodern techniques, such as pastiche, irony, and meta-commentary, to engage with its themes?
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Conversation Starters for Normal People:
- Character Development: How do Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell evolve throughout the novel? What events or experiences shape them the most?
Historical Setting: How does the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars influence the story and its characters?
Magic vs. Reality: How does the novel balance the magical elements with the historical and realistic ones? Does one overshadow the other?
Themes of Power: How is power portrayed in the novel, especially the power dynamics between magicians and non-magicians?
Role of Women: What roles do female characters like Lady Pole and Arabella play in the story? Are they passive or active agents?
Narrative Style: How does the 19th-century prose style contribute to the novel's atmosphere and themes?
Footnotes: What do the footnotes add to the story? Do they enhance your understanding, or are they distracting?
Moral Questions: Are there any ethical dilemmas presented in the novel? How do characters navigate them?
Fantasy vs. Historical Fiction: In what ways does the novel succeed or fail as a blend of fantasy and historical fiction?
Personal Reactions: Which parts of the novel resonated with you the most, and why?
Questions about Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell that you can ask your dog:
- Mr. Norrell's Loneliness: Why do you think Mr. Norrell lives all alone in a big house? Is it nice to be alone all the time?
Statues Talking: How would you feel if statues started talking to you like they did in the church with Mr. Norrell? Would it be fun or scary?
Arabella's Love: Why do you think Arabella loves Jonathan Strange even when he's busy with magic? What makes someone a good friend or partner?
Black Roads: Jonathan Strange makes a road that's all black. What color would you make a magic road and why?
Lady Pole's Dancing: Lady Pole has to dance a lot in the fairyland. Would you like to dance all the time, or would it make you tired?
The Gentleman's Tricks: The Gentleman with the thistle-down hair tricks people. Is it nice to trick people, or should he be a better friend?
The Most Amusing Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Review I Can Find
Don't worry, the story really picks up around page 700
★★☆☆☆
—Afton via Goodreads
—Afton via Goodreads