In a world where magic is fading, two contrasting magicians, the reclusive Mr. Norrell and the daring Jonathan Strange, embark on a quest to revive English magic. Their alliance begins as a partnership rooted in ambition but soon spirals into rivalry as they uncover dark secrets and confront ancient forces. Strange's fervent desire to wield magic challenges the rigid traditions of Norrell, setting the stage for an epic battle of wits and wills. As their paths intertwine, they must navigate the perils of a world filled with faeries, lost knowledge, and the repercussions of power. Will their pursuit of greatness lead to salvation or destruction in a fantastical landscape where magic and reality collide?
By Susanna Clarke
Published: 2010
"Magic is a kind of a personal thing."
In the Hugo-award winning, epic New York Times Bestseller and basis for the BBC miniseries, two men change England's history when they bring magic back into the world. In the midst of the Napoleonic Wars in 1806, most people believe magic to have long since disappeared from England - until the reclusive Mr. Norrell reveals his powers and becomes an overnight celebrity. Another practicing magician then emerges: the young and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's pupil, and the two join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wild, most perilous forms of magic, and he soon risks sacrificing his partnership with Norrell and everything else he holds dear. Susanna Clarke's brilliant first novel is an utterly compelling epic tale of nineteenth-century England and the two magicians who, first as teacher and pupil and then as rivals, emerge to change its history.
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“Magic is a kind of a personal thing.”
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
By Susanna Clarke
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Susanna Clarke is a celebrated British author known for her richly imaginative storytelling and intricate world-building. She gained widespread acclaim with her groundbreaking 2004 novel, "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell," which blends historical fiction with fantasy and explores the revival of English magic in the 19th century. Clarke's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, complex characters, and deep exploration of themes such as power and memory. In 2021, she released "Piranesi," a critically acclaimed novel that delves into a mysterious and haunting labyrinthine world. Clarke's unique voice and innovative approach have firmly established her as a prominent figure in contemporary fantasy literature.
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