[NancyBrooke]

I want to recommend this book I just finished:

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, by Susannah Clarke. It is the author's first book and a real doozy.

It takes place during the second decade of the 19th Century in an England which has magic as a part of its history - children take History of Magic in grammar school etc - and magicians are as much historical figures as Queen Elizabeth, Cromwell and Lord Nelson. But magic has died out, and the only magicians left are theoretical, studying magic rather than actually doing any. Then for the first time in many years, a practicing magician becomes known and things start to happen ...

It is a tome, coming in at something like 800 pages, and written in what I found to be a delightfully Jane Austin-like style. The author always seems to be laughing up her sleave a bit at her characters, but in all kindness at the same time.

I heartily recommend it to you all.

[Haleth]

I second the recommendation. There are multidudinous footnotes worthy of several other books all on their own. It's a great read.

[Ningloreth]

Yes, it's an excellent book. I was lucky enough to attend a talk by the author -- she talked a lot about Tolkien.

If you go here:

http://www.jonathanstrange.com/

there are some additional short stories, and links interviews, etc.

[SpaceWeavil]

I've just dug it out of the dark otherworld that is my bookcase I've had it for a long while but just never had a moment to read it yet. Thanks for the rec.

SW

[NancyBrooke]

Thanks for the link, Ningloreth, I explored a little and sent it on to my sister, who gave me the book to begin with.

Cheers!

NB

[ElennaElemirre]

Hey just want to ask if anyone has read "The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories" also by Susanna Clarke. I have been contemplating on buying it but don't know if it is worth reading.