Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Jonathon Strange & Mr Norrell

This is topic Jonathon Strange & Mr Norrell in forum Discussing Published Hooks & Books at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Magic Beans (Member # 2183) on :

I just started reading this and I have to say that, so far, it really is something wonderful. Very pleasurable to read. British in the extreme. And to think it was Ms Clark's first novel. Took her ten years to write!

Opening lines:

quote:
Some years ago there was in the city of York a society of magicians. They met upon the third Wednesday of every month and read each other long, dull papers upon the history of English magic.
They were gentleman-magicians, which is to say they had never harmed any one by magic -- nor ever done any one the slightest good. In fact, to own the truth, not one of these magicians had ever cast the smallest spell, nor by magic caused one leaf to tremble upon a tree, made one mote of dust to alter its course or changed a single hair upon any one's head. But, with this one minor reservation, they enjoyed a reputation as some of the wisest and most magical gentlemen in Yorkshire.

[This message has been edited by Magic Beans (edited November 13, 2004).]

Posted by Tess (Member # 2199) on :

I like it. It sets the "Brittish" tone very nicely, and it also flows wonderfully.

Ten years for a first novel? Maybe there's hope for me yet!

Posted by mikemunsil (Member # 2109) on :

Hmmm. Reminds me of myself.

quote:
They were gentleman-writers, which is to say they had never harmed any one by writing -- nor ever done any one the slightest good. In fact, to own the truth, not one of these writers had ever published the smallest piece, nor by their writing caused one leaf to tremble upon a tree, made one mote of dust to alter its course or changed a single hair upon any one's head. But, with this one minor reservation, they enjoyed a reputation as some of the wisest and most literate gentlemen in Yorkshire.

Posted by Magic Beans (Member # 2183) on :

LOL :D

Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

I just finished reading this myself. Excellent work. She uses third omniscient really well. The only time I started to lose interest was when I was trying to figure out how Jonathan's father fit into the story. I really think she could have left that out, but it's such an interesting story that I don't mind much at all.

[This message has been edited by Keeley (edited January 31, 2005).]

Posted by MaryRobinette (Member # 1680) on :

It got a good review in F&SF. The reviewer refers to her "pitch-perfect Austen" tone.

Posted by Keeley (Member # 2088) on :

I've only read one book by Austen (Pride and Prejudice) but I would agree with that statement.

Posted by Nick Vend (Member # 1816) on :

I saw her do a reading in Glasgow and was pleased to see that, though the quality of the novel has been acknowledged by literary types (I think there is discussion of her being nominated for various literary awards), she is unapologetic in her choice of material, and totally considers herself to be a fantasy writer, not a writer of literary fiction who happens to have magic in her book. I know there's alot of discussion on these pages of genres and the fact that a great novel is a great novel, regardless of genre, but with the way in which fantasy and sci fi get marginalised, it was a shiny moment that I wanted to share.