Admittedly, it took me some time to get into this book, especially since its size kept me from reading comfortably in bed, but now that I have finished part I, I am impatient to read on, almost to the extent of wishing the next dates for volume II and III would be sooner.
I very much enjoy the language, it reminds me so much of Jane Austen (not a very original observation, I know). Some of the sentences read just like her, her ridicule of almost every characters’ better and worse qualities reminded me of Austen, and there was a moment when Arabella Woodhope is described in a manner that made me think that she could very well be a different take on Elizabeth Bennet:
“She was about twenty-two years of age. In repose her looks were only moderately pretty. There was very little about her face and figure that was in any way remarkable, but it was the sort of face which, when animated by conversation or laughter, is completely transformed. She had a lively disposition, a quick mind and a fondness for the comical. She was always very ready to smile and, since a smile is the most becoming ornament that any lady can wear, she had been known upon occasion to outshine women who were acknowledged beauties in three countries.”
More than this description of her looks, it was her gentle mocking of Jonathan Strange that reminded me of Elizabeth. I really hope Arabella will be a recurring character in part II and III of the book, because I think I will like her.
As for Mr Norrell, I am not sure I like him. He seems a little arrogant and self-protective, doesn’t he? Nevertheless, I find it very entertaining to read about him, which just shows that sometimes characters can be very unlikeable but still interesting subjects for stories. I think that for all the characters he meets, I feel the most sorry for the girl he raises from the death. The other people he interacts with all seem to be faulty to such a degree that I cannot feel sorry for them.
It are the magical touches to a “real world” that I find very interesting up to now. The footnotes perfectly contribute to that feeling, with the citation of fake sources that all belong to that world. It seems a rather interesting way to discuss “fact and fiction” in literature.
I have read something about people finding it strange that for a book titled “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell”, the first named character is only introduced so late in the book. In a way, I can completely understand the feeling. However, I have been puzzling over the question if that is true, exactly. It is in the last chapter of part I that we first truly begin to learn of Jonathan’s character, but it is around page 160 that he is introduced as the son of his mean and stingy father. Furthermore, he is mentioned in footnotes from the very start, his biography being one of the main sources cited throughout the first part. Again, such an interesting structure!
There is one more thing that stood out to me, and that was the manner in which Susanna Clarke subverts expectations pertaining to categorisations such as male-female, white-black, upper-lower class. She does so in a manner that I found very interesting. At times she reifies expectations and then continues to mock them, or she outlines divisions between any of these categories, before having characters unite on other fronts. The divide between London and country servants is an example, who unite over their fear of magic. Or the discussion of who decides what “proper magic” is. Most interesting to me was the story about the servant Stephen. The manner in which the fact that he is allowed to lead the household is first described to mark the forward character of Sir Walter, before the fairy character then implies in which ways Walter only uses his treatment of Stephen as a way to further his own interests, while keeping him in the position of a servant. But then, the fairy-character offers him princedom in a manner that does not take Stephen’s own wishes into account, which is another manner of establishing dominance, perhaps? Also, the fact that Stephen in the neighbourhood gossip is established as a former prince was interesting [and admittedly, entertaining], I thought, since it appeals to the “noble savage” myth and reminded me of Oroonoko in some ways.
Anyway, enough of my own ramblings. What did you think?
How do you like Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell so far? How do you feel about Mr. Norrell? Is there any character you are particularly interested in? How do you feel about the structure and style of the book so far?
Feel free to engage with my questions, or talk about anything else in your own posts/comments!
[For the sign-up post, see here. This post also includes a list of tentative participants and a reading schedule. You are still very welcome to join in whatever way you want! Have you posted your thoughts on part I, leave me a comment with the link and I will link up to your thoughts]
I want to read this book, but I am so daunted by the sheer size of it!
Which is the exact reason I wanted to organise a read along, I would never have picked it up otherwise.
there are still a couple of books I need to clear from my pile before starting this one, i hope I’ll be here by the time for part two discussion, I really love reading a book with others
Take you time Jasmine
You can always return to older posts, etcetera. I dislike giving people the feeling of pressure to read for a readalong.
I find the similarities between the speeches of Susanna and Jane Austen quite enticing: even though I’ve never really enjoyed the experience of reading any of Austen’s books (you can throw the rocks now), I want find out the reason to the admiration most readers nurture for her… Therefore, reading someone who has been influenced by Austen’s literary style may be an excellent idea!
Haha, no need to be afraid that I will throw rocks. Although I admit that I love Austen. I wonder how you’ll like this if you read it. I don’t think the style resemblance may necessarily put you off.
I’m ‘cheating’ and have read on half way through the second part already, because it is so easy to read once you get into the pastiche style. I agree about the JA comparison, the way the book uses backhanded compliments and takes a long way round to describing someone in a clever way, is very similar. I did wonder at the bgeining though if JA would ever have come out quite so far as to call a whole society dull, so perhaps this novel has a bit more straight on bluntness about it at times?
I much prefer the main servant characters to the magicians btw and Lady Pole – poor woman, undone by magicians. Childremas is fab and I’m hoping that although I first thought he was being described as twisted and with lank hair to set him up as the bad, untrustworthy servant character (as someone like Dickens might have done – outwards appearance, reflecting the inward character, to which I say BOOOOO) he’s actually going to turn out to be very competant, if ‘on the wrong side’ (Norrell is clearly the wrong side, don’t you think, although not sure having read on that Strange is much better, depsite his good manners and personable appearance.
Great sense of the creepy as well in this novel, very subtle, but very disturbing. I am afraid for so many people, because of the man with the thistledown hair!
Yes, I think Austen wouldn’t have been as blunt as this book sometimes it. But I admit I very much enjoy this style of bluntness.
I was pleasantly surprised about Childermas as well. The description of his looks is very much Dickens-like, you are right. I like how he seems to do Mr Norrells bidding, but decides on his own course of action, and often outsmarts Norrell in his method of gaining information.
I know this sounds weird, but I HOPE Norrell will be the one on the wrong side.I dislike him enough to wish for that and hope Strange will get to go his own way a bit.
Re: the creepy, very true. There is a feeling of suspense and creepiness. I hope it doesn’t get much worse, because with the atmosphere.. I might actually become scared and lie awake at night a little.
Oh I forgot to mention the most important bit (to me anyway) – it’s a book about magic in England where the centre of power isn’t London! I mean, yes, we all get it over here, London has many fun things, but it is wearing to see every magical story set there as if it is the only significant place in our country. Hurray for the Raven King’s city being Newcastle and some of the action taking place in the North. Even though the action eventually moves to London Norrell and Segundus are still Northerners
I love that too
I guess I always assumed that magic in fiction is often set in the North, but I guess that is based on Clarke’s short story collection and Gaiman’s Stardust.
I read this a few years ago, and remember loving it. There was something so charming about the book and the footnotes, and I remember being invested all the way to the last page. I had been wondering if there would be a sequel, though the book is not open ended, I had hoped that there would be. I hope that you continue to enjoy your reading of it!
I am enjoying it
and I’m glad to hear you did as well when you read it. I only know that there is a short story collection taht touches on the same world, I think? It seems like it’s been a while sinze Clarke published anything. I’m definitely looking forward to news on that front.
The Ladies of Grace Adieu, which I haven’t read, includes some stories set in this world, but there haven’t been any proper sequels. I’d love for her to write more!
After reading your post, I immediately put this book on my wislist at BookDepository. Thanks!
Hehee, and that’s based on just 1/3rd of the book. I hope you’ll enjoy it once you buy it
I’m half way through book two. Confession done.
I’m enjoying my second read. I agree about the Austen-esque language; the back handed compliments are thoroughly enjoyable.
Mr. Norrell is much too annoying and self-centered for me to like his character but Childermas is wonderful. I’ll have to sit down and write up some thoughts. I’m taking my time with this one and there are so many little things I seem to be re-discovering.
I had this post pre-schedules 1,5 weeks in advance, so I could continue reading without having to be afraid about spoiler for parts past volume 1.
This is my first read, but I’m already impatient to start rereading it. I am starting to enjoy CHildermas more and more..
I’ve read this twice in print now and listened to the audio once, which shows how much I adore it. It’s one of those rare period pastiches that I could almost believe was written in the period in which it’s set. The language and style are just so perfect. I’m happy that you’re enjoying. The characters are so great, although not necessarily likable, it’s true.
True, I sometimes forget that it wasn’t written at the time but is actually a modern novel. I don’t think I will ever get to the audio, it must be incredibly long! But I am pretty sure that I will want to reread this when I finish.
Aaaa, how did 22 February creep up on me like this? I have thoughts and will try to post them soon and link you when I have. Argh. I am so lame.
I definitely agree about the language — Suzanne Clarke does marvelously well at using language that sounds old-time-y but isn’t difficult to read at all. And the footnotes charm me while also hinting at events to come, which is perfect!
I love the footnotes too
Can I ask how many times you have read the book? Also, discussion dates in read a longs always creep up on me, which is why I am very unsuccessful in participating in them. I’m a little better when I organise them myself 
But, my own failure to keep to dates makes me want to be non-strict on dates for discussion. Return any time you have thoughts.
I’m not sure if I like any of the characters yet. My favorites are the servants. I hope Arabella will be around, and I hope I will like Jonathan Strange because I’m at best ambivalent towards Mr. Norrell.
I do like the writing style though. Formal, yet easy on the eye. I feel like I’m just getting into it now. I’m excited for volume II.
“formal yet easy on the eye” is a very good way to describe it.
I like Jonathan Strange a lot better than Mr Norrell. I really hope I won’t be disappointed in Strange later on.
I picked this up at a bootfair for a £1 and it’s sat at home waiting for me to find the time.
I think this book has been on my shelves for > 5 years, so you still have some time left before you should start feeling guilty
Hey, Iris! I had no idea that you were hosting a Read-Along for Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, else I would have joined in. I recently finished the book myself and loved it to pieces. Thank you for pointing out Oroonoko… it’s always great to have book reviews link up to other book reviews and in the process discover new books to read! If you are interested, I myself have posted a review of the book at http://lexlingua.livejournal.com/27657.html#cutid1. It is a bit long, because I didn’t have the sense to divide the review into parts! Anyway, let me know what you think!
I love long posts about books
I clicked through to your site, but I think I will wait to read your post until I have finished the book, if that is alright?
You make me want to read this one again RIGHT NOW! Alas, I just can’t spare the time but I’ll see if I can get to it later this year.
Just want to chime in — I’m woefully behind, and it has actually taken me a few tries to get started. I do agree on the language discussion — my first thought was Jane Austen too, although the word “prodigious” has yet to be used. There’s a flavor of Dickens too, but beyond that, there’s just a whimsical old-fashioned air to it that reminds me of some of the very old fairy tales. It could almost have begun with “Once upon a time.”
I’ll have to read faster to catch up with y’all, but I am starting to really enjoy it. I’m only on the third chapter! So far I love John Segundus and his earnest, honest character. But I have no idea where it’s all going!
I must say that, since I’m reading this on my Kindle (my paperback had such tiny print I literally couldn’t read it), the footnotes are problematic — I’m still learning how to navigate them an the e-reader. Clicking and getting to them definitely interrupts the flow of the narrative. However… there’s a suggestion above that the footnotes are important, so I’ll keep plugging away. But all those names of historians and magicians — yikes!
I can imagine footnotes on an ereader are more disruptive to the story than they are in the printed version of the book. I like reading the footnotes when they are noted in the story, but I think perhaps in some cases, this is not really necessary. I guess the best way to go is what works for you.
Also, no need to worry about being “behind” on reading, I’ll still be reading/willing to discuss whenever you are ready to do so
hi, I just finished part one last night , and I really like it so far.
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though the writing style seems a bit old to me (don’t know how to describe it, English is a second language!) but there were instances when you know that the humor was only meant for contemporary readers ” Ships of Steel or iron!! very unthinkable
It is interesting the way Jonathan is introduced to the story through the footnotes, though I got the feel that he was Mr. Norrell’s apprentice and that he’ll leave him at some point, but the last chapter in part one, and the chapter before, establish that Strange might actually be Norrell’s rival, can’t wait to discover what happens next
as for my favorite character so far, I really like Stephan Black, not as a person, but because of the potential I see in his character, could he be the one the prophesy speaks of? the unknown king?…can’t remember the exact words of the prophesy spoken by Vinculus….
I’ll continue reading the book, and will hopefully finish part two by the time the discussion starts
Jasmine, your comment on Stephen Black, I hadn’t thought of that before, but I think you may be onto something! I don’t remember the prophesy exactly either, I need to go back and read it, but I really think you may have been right..
I haven’t been able to decide on the relationship of Norrell and Strange. I definitely think they may be set up as rivals. Who wouldn’t get annoyed with Norrell at one point?
The language is funny, but I like it. It is similar to the style of Jane Austen, but also very different in that it can be more direct or appeal to modern readers. Very interesting.
I finished Volume I a week or two ago (I still have yet to start reading–exam this week…yikes). I was having a little trouble getting into the book so I downloaded the audiobook from the library and listened while I read a long some. I actually liked the book better this way because I enjoyed the narrator. However, I haven’t been able to listen much so primarily I’ve been reading.
By far my favorite character so far is the man with the thistle down hair. He’s super interesting and not the easiest character to like. Still, there is something about him that I feel is intriguing. I also really enjoy the character, Stephen. He is easy to like and seems like a really intelligent man. So far Mr. Norrell isn’t really connecting with me for some reason, but I’m enjoying the book just the same.
I also am ready to see how Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell tie together. I know Strange becomes Norrell’s pupil, but I am just ready to get to that part of the story.
I’m with Sally on this one. I am having a little trouble with the footnotes on the Kindle. It’s kind of a pain to have to scroll down to the note, click on it, read it all and then hit the back button. In a lot of ways I think this is an easier read in a paper book.
How are the notes written in the book? Are they just footnotes or are they at the end of the book/chapter?
Carin, the notes are footnotes at the bottom of the page in the printed version. I can imagine that that would be easier to read than navigating them on an ereader. I hadn’t considered that before, but I can see how that would get annoying.
Once I’ve finished this one, I’ll be looking forward to reading it on audio sometime, this sounds like the kind of story that would really work in audio.
I find the man with the thistle down hair a little scary, to be honest, but I agree that he is interesting. I do really like Stephen. I hope he gets to stand up for himself at one point though..
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