So here we are, ready to discuss Volume II, everyone?
So much to discuss that I didn’t exactly know where to stop or start, which is why I ended up keeping this post short. I hope you will feel free to discuss more in-depth in the comments.
I still cannot like Mr Norrell. But I do very much like Jonathan Strange, even though his interest in faerie-magic make me wonder if I’m supposed to like him. In other books about faerie (not that I have read that many, I admit!), there’s always something dangerous, dark, and unknown about their magic, and I think the book evokes the same feelings here. And I didn’t much enjoy Strange’s neglect of his wife. But then he does come out with these wonderful sentiments that warm me towards him:
“Upon the contrary, Mrs Bullworth, a system of morality which punishes the woman and leaves no share of blame to the man seems to me quite detestable. But beyond that I will not go. I will not hurt innocent people.”
One can wonder about that last line. It seems Strange is full of good intentions, but surely his dedication to the English side of the war goes rather far at times, and sometimes I wish he would have drawn lines as to what he would and would not do to help the war effort a little more firmly.
In this volume of the book, the tale turns decidedly darker. I think perhaps, in the first part the tale focuses more of the magic of magic, the hopeful sentiments associated with it, while this part is much more about the ambiguous and the fine line between white and dark magic? I don’t know how any of you felt, but the episode during the Spanish war (I’m trying not to spoil for those who haven’t read it yet – and I’m sure you know what I refer to if you have read it) was decidedly spooky, and the last pages of this volume even more so. Oh, Arabella,
Jasmine, having read part I, pointed out in her comment on the post discussing part I that she likes Stephen Black most as a character, and then continues:
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 admit, I cannot remember the exact wording of the prophesy either, but reading her comment I had the feeling that she might just be right.. Having read part II, I’m even more convinced that she is.
How did you feel about Volume II of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell? What stood out to you most in terms of characters, writing, or plot? Are you looking forward to Volume III?
I admit, I am both anticipating and dreading Volume III. I have a feeling it is going to become darker and more ambiguous still, but I also really want to know what happens next.
[For the sign-up post, see here. This post also includes a list of tentative participants and a reading schedule. For the discussion post about part I, see here. You are still very welcome to join in whatever way you want! Have you posted your thoughts on part II? Leave me a comment with the link and I will link up to your thoughts]
I read this so long ago, but do remember that as the book went gradually along, it got darker and darker. Still, it was an excellent read, and I am having a lot of fun and introspective moments reading these posts. I hope that you continue to enjoy the book, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of it overall!
One of the things I really liked about this book is that I liked and disliked both the main characters in about equal measure overall. Sometimes I liked one of them more than the other, depending on where I was in the book, but I never felt that a particular opinion was being forced on me. The characterization is so well-done!
Part II is probably my favorite, because I LOVE all the things Jonathan Strange comes up with doing. He is so inventive! I know some of the things he does in the war cross a moral line, but they nevertheless are just cool! And I like it when the Duke of Wellington likes him so much and calls him “Merlin”.
So yeah, part III definitely gets darker. Be prepared. Poor old Jonathan Strange.
This was such an odd little book. Well, actually not little at all. I agree with Teresa about liking and disliking the main characters equally. However, overall I remember being quite satisfied once I finished it. This is such a perfect book for a readalong.
I have to admit that In Part I I felt a bit fond of Mr. Norrell, overwhelmed by London parties and so prim and fussy and an utter bore. I was sorry for him, really, being so completely out of his element. But my sympathy began to decline when he decided to keep his books of magic from Jonathan Strange, whom I liked enormously. I kept picturing him as a sort of Chrestomanci.
Part II was so exciting and adventuresome! I loved the part where the European city is stuck in the Americas, and I loved loved loved how Wellington was written. I think Part III was my favorite because of all the fairy magic, but Part II was so good! You know, this is my favorite book that I’ve read in quite a while.
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I just want you to know that I haven’t given up, Iris! I’m midway through Volume II. I will come back and comment when I finish the section!
No problem
I am glad to hear you are still reading along.
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OK…ok…Iris. I finished Volume II a few weeks ago and have about 25% of the book to go. I have to admit, I am really slogging through this book. Maybe I am reading it at a bad time. Work has ramped up quite a bit and I haven’t had much time. I’ve been feeling a little burned out so I put it down and read Ovid’s The Art of Love and Mira Stout’s One Thousand Chestnut Trees, and I am in the middle of Howl’s Moving Castle.
Anyway, as for Volume II, I had really grown to like Arabella. I was sad to see that she didn’t make it to Volume III. I am with the others. I can’t really like or dislike anyone completely. I like Stephen Black and Jonathan Strange for the most part, but Stephen Black is a smart man and the thistle haired man is clearly a little on the dark side. Why is Stephen letting him lead him around?!! And Jonathan Strange. I like him, but he seems a little to ready to use magic all the time without knowing quite exactly what is going to happen or the consequences of doing so.
Overall, I think the book is very well-written so far and I want to finish, but I think I’m finding it a little slow and boring. I feel so bad saying that since you went through this so quickly! I took a peek at your third post and saw that your really liked the footnotes. I like them too! I think it makes the book worth reading.
As soon as I finish the third volume I will comment. I’m glad you enjoyed this book!