12 December 2005


Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' is certainly one of the most delightful fantasy novels I have read in many years. The narrative is compelling and the storytelling is first-rate. The enchanting world of the 1810s created by Clarke is something to be marvelled.

I think this may well go down in time as a classic.

On a related note, I wish Christopher Priest's clever masterpiece 'The Prestige' would receive as much attention as Susanna Clarke's work.

4 comments:

Mister Nizz said...

I certainly agree that JONATHAN STRANGE.. is one of the best contemporary works of fantastic literature I've read in many a year. My only disappointment was the almost total lack of a plot or climax. I was willing to overlook that because of the wonderful use of Regency period language. Stylistically, JS&MN reminds me of the work of Mervyn Peake somewhat.

Chuang Shyue Chou said...

Yes, it is certainly something extraordinary. It does come from the tradition of Peake and other quirky British novels which I suppose owes little to conventions. It's definitely not commercial fantasy per se despite the extensive marketing.

The prose and language from 'Jonathan Strange & Mr.Norell' are definitely an attraction and a relief after reading that horrid fantasy series from George R.R. Martin.

Regarding the plot, I think it is deliberate. She set out to protray a series of events with the Napoleonic Wars as a backdrop. I am comforted that there wasn't a climatic confrontation as it is almost expected. Yes, the ending could have been more and it did leave something for a followup book.

hujan_batu said...

I just read 'Fitzpatrick's War' after having seen it in Chicago in the paperback last year. I don't think it has anything to do with Bush directly. I take it much more as a future Alexander retelling, but executed very very well. I think you can see that with the constant references to the Basileis, as well as the Parmenio character Hood.

Overall it's a very good book, although it suffers a little too much, in my opinion, from an infallible viewpoint. The historian footnotes are always over the top in their incorrectness; it would be good to have a few footnotes that show where Bruce was wrong (and back them up). Otherwise, the historian is there for nothing but comic value.

Chuang Shyue Chou said...

I understand what you said about the infallibiliy of the narration.

I also understand the great disdain shown by the 'editor' and I would think that he would be probably quite standoff-ish.

Yes, you are right about an Alexander re-telling. Like you said, it is an excellent novel! Very very good. I look forward to future novels from the author.

As for Susanna Clarke, she has mentioned a new novel that takes place shortly after the events in 'Jonathan Strange & Mr.Norrell'. It will be about other characters. Phew! The ending was good. Let it end there. No sequels!