Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, First Take

December 13, 2004

I’ve tried like hell to get into Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell which according to many, many review should be something I would really enjoy. But despite great physical production values, a good idea, and generally satisfying writing, all the little pieces don’t come together for me into something I could enjoy. Or yet finish.

I couldn’t put my finger on the problem until I read Jennifer Howard’s review. I think she has it exactly right– the book is a kind of pastiche written from a distant, detached perspective that ultimately robs the story of most of its (admittedly great) potential. Tolkien, for all his obvious flaws– and despite his academic credentials– at least wasn’t afraid to invoke the epic sweep, to try to bring the reader to see the grandeur in his tale, to show some enthusiasm and excitement for his subject. In fact, the parts that move me the most in the Lord of the Rings trilogy are the small asides alluding to a vast and deep history of which we are seeing just one part– I cry every time I get to the Appendix entries about the characters leaving Middle Earth! Clarke has instead written a history bereft of emotion and connection. I’ll try again with this book, I am sure, but I’m not holding out a lot of hope that my opinion will change.

Tags: Books and Reading