Fantasy and Science Fiction for Children and Teens
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell Hardcover: 800 pages List Price: $27.95 |
Description:
Magic was once common in England, but the era of practical magic ended centuries ago with the disappearance of the Raven King. In the early 19th century, the only magicians in England are theoretical magicians, who study and discuss the magical histories without attempting to do magic themselves. All that changes in 1808, when Mr. Norrell appears on the scene with several acts of magic that get England talking. One would expect the man who revives English magic to be a dramatic personality, but Mr. Norrell is a reclusive bookworm who is highly conservative by nature. Modern English magic would seem to be a dry, dusty thing, until Mr. Norrell takes on a pupil. Jonathan Strange seems as different from Mr. Norrell as day is from night, and a rivalry between them seems inevitable. But magic has consequences that neither of them anticipates, and soon strange things are happening that will affect not only the magicians and those they love, but all of England.
Mom's rating: 5.0 wands 
Mom's Review:
A magnificent work of literature, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel is like an old Victorian mansion, with mysterious rambling corridors and interesting surprises around every bend. Don't read it expecting another Harry Potter - it's not an edge of your seat page turner with action around every corner. it's a long book, with lots of descriptions and digressions, which requires some work to read. But it's a delightful book for those with the patience to read it, and it's exciting in its own way - more like the slow burn of very hot charcoals rather than Harry Potter's bonfire. This is definitely not a book for kids; not that there's anything terribly inappropriate in it, but it's rather a difficult read and most kids will not be able to read it. But teens who are interested in magic and faeries will love this book, as will adults.
I highly recommend this delightful book!
All Editions:
Hardcover ISBN 1582344167 $18.45 Buy Now | Paperback ISBN 1582346038 $11.96 Buy Now | Audio CD ISBN 1593977417 $37.77 Buy Now |
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