Review - Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Title: Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Author: Susanna Clarke

Pages: 1024

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release date: 12th February 2015 (this edition)

Blurb from Goodreads:

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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My Review:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) and NetGalley*

 DNF (1/5 stars)

When a man questions why magic is no longer in England, he discovers that he's wrong - there is magic which the magician Mr Norrell proves.

Mr Norrell moves to London and becomes a celebrity. Everyone wants to see him perform and to have him at their parties.

Then Mr Norrell takes a student, Jonathan Strange, who also practices magic. But Strange is drawn to the darker side of magic.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me.

I found the plot - what there was of it - boring and the writing too long winded. Most of what I read was just waffle after waffle.

If it hadn't been so long I might have been able to get into the storyline more.

The premise was interesting but of what I read there wasn't much magic done.

Overall I couldn't get into the book but might pick it back up again at another time.