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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Post a Comment