Enchanting, if that word is not misplaced. Susanna Clarke’s delightfully austenesque style, full of wit and charm, breathes life into a world not so very far from our own. Early 19th century England is awash with nostalgia, of a sort, for an earlier time when magic and Englishness were near synonymous. For more than 400 years all that remains of English magic are theoretical magicians, steeped in a bookish history but unable to partake of practical magic. Mr Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey, Yorkshire, reduces theoretical magic to a mere nothing when he dramatically emerges on the scene as England’s sole practitioner of practical magic. England will never be the same again; or, depending on your point of view, England is finally returning to its natural state. Together with Jonathan Strange, his pupil and eventual colleague, Mr Norrell opens the door to unique opportunities in the ongoing battle against the French tyrant, Napoleon. But other doors are opened as well, and soon enough intrusions from Faerie begin to dominate events.
This is no mere exercise in fanciful world building. Clarke pours an intricate plot whose pace quickens markedly in the final third of the book. The climax is as dramatic, and unexpected, as you could hope. You will be surprised but entirely satisfied, I think. I took my time reading this book, revelling in Clarke’s masterful styling. I encourage you to do the same. Warmly recommended.