This was ok. I tried to go in without high expectations (I loved Piranesi) but I still couldn’t really get into this. It was a very slow build-up for a mostly predictable climax. I was consistently surprised at how often the conflicts between Norrell and Strange didn’t pan out as expected though, I’ll give it that.
The lengthy footnotes were an interesting touch but a bit tedious at times.
I felt very bad for Stephen the whole way through. And I never really quite understood Childermass, although that was probably the intent.
I think I can see why this book was so highly acclaimed. But I think I prefer Diana Wynne Jones for my whimsical magic fix.
Categories: Book Reviews
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