I’ve never before read a book like Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Intentionally set in the cadence and style of early 19th century novels, this fantasy moves slowly. At thirty-six and a half hours, the audiobook was a serious commitment! In the end, I’m glad I stuck with the story—even if it wasn’t my cup of tea.

As you might suspect, the story follows two magicians—Strange and Norrell—as they seek to restore English magic. Differing visions of English magic provide the conflict that drives the story.

I’m no stranger to lengthy fantasy stories—I completed Erikson’s Malazan decalogy after all. But this one was different. At first, the older style prose was charming. As the story progressed I kept wondering when the pace would pick up! It doesn’t. This is a slow burn to the end. It’s a fantastically satisfying end, but don’t expect to get there quickly.

Clarke, Susanna. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. 20th Anniversary Edition. Narrated by Richard Armitage. Audiobook ed., unabridged, Macmillan Audio, 2024.