Christie's Pick 3/16/2010

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

By Susanna Clarke

"An English magician is an impressive thing. Two English magicians are, I suppose, twice as impressive--but when those two English magicians are shrouded in an Impenetrable Darkness--ah, well! That, I should think, is enough to strike terror into the heart of any one short of a demi-god"

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is the impressive debut of Susanna Clarke. It takes place during 1800s England, where magic is studied but never practiced. Mr. Norrell, with the help of his pupil, Jonathan Strange, work towards bringing magic back into England.

Don't be fooled by the size of this book! At around 850 pages, it is a giant, but every time I have read Jonathan Strange, (and I have read it three times so far) I am left wanting to read it again. Susanna Clarke is a very impressive storyteller. Her back stories on England and the history of magic are fantastic. This award-winning book is perfect for anyone who loves Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or just really well-written stories.