tbr

Excerpt from Amazon synopsis: Gilbert Norrell is determined to single-handedly rehabilitate his sanitised and patriotic version of English magic, which has suffered a post-Enlightenment neglect after a richly dark history. He ruthlessly secures his place as England’s only magician in two marvellously drawn feats. First, he brings the statutes of York Cathedral to life and then, to facilitate his entry into London society, he brings a young bride-to-be back from the dead--a feat with terrible consequences. However, another more naturally gifted magician—Jonathan Strange—emerges to become his pupil and later his rival. Strange becomes increasingly obsessed with the Raven King—the medieval lord-magician of the North of England and pursues his desire to recruit a fairy servant to the edge of madness.

Well - finally finished it. This is one looooong book. I enjoyed it though. The writing style is mannered and witty - quite reminiscent of Jane Austen - and the magic is so interwoven that it is soon easy to forget what is actual history and what has been created for the story. I can understand why a lot of people think it's too long, but despite this I found it very readable.

Kazeh mentioned she was interested in this - will see if she still is...

Heard about this book many times. Want to read it for ages. Thanks to Mai.

For me, it's too long and easily to lose interesting. It was ok. Sometimes I enjoyed bit but can be dragged. Pass it to someone I work with.