Jonathan Strange

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Masterpiece of English Fantasy

Imagine a world where magic is as real as the air you breathe, where two men with opposing views on its practice clash in a tale that spans centuries and continents. This is precisely what Susanna Clarke’s debut novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, offers. Published in 2004, this literary gem weaves together elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and alternative history to create an unforgettable narrative.

The Birth of a Masterpiece

How did such a remarkable work come into being? Clarke began crafting the story during her teaching stint in Spain, inspired by the grandeur of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Upon returning to England, she dedicated herself to writing, using a workshop as a catalyst. The process was akin to watching someone play the piano for the first time; it was both exhilarating and daunting.

Characters and Themes

At its core, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is about two men: Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange. Their relationship forms the backbone of this intricate narrative, exploring themes such as reason vs. unreason, and the cultural divides between Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Dane traditions.

These characters are not just magicians; they embody the very essence of Englishness itself. Norrell is a theoretical magician who becomes practical, while Strange is passionate about magic’s true potential. Their clash over the importance of John Uskglass (the legendary Raven King) to English magic is central to their dynamic.

The Setting and Literary Style

Set in 19th-century England during the Napoleonic Wars, the novel’s setting is dark, foggy, and sinister. Clarke’s prose is a masterclass in literary pastiche, drawing from Austen, Dickens, and other 19th-century authors.

The narrative is divided into two volumes: Volume I introduces Mr Norrell, while Volume II follows Jonathan Strange as he travels to London and meets his mentor. The novel’s 185 footnotes document a meticulous invented history of English magic, adding layers of depth and credibility to the story.

Themes and Critique

The themes explored in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell are numerous. The novel delves into friendship, reason vs. madness, and the anxiety of influence. Lady Pole’s character is particularly intriguing, embodying the madwoman archetype as she navigates both the human world and the fairy realm.

The book also explores the concept of ‘Englishness,’ highlighting the suppression of voices from under-represented groups such as women, people of colour, and poor whites. The idea of a hidden supernatural aristocracy is central to the narrative, with characters like Stephen Black and Vinculus representing silenced voices within English society.

Marketing and Reception

Bloomsbury launched an extensive marketing campaign for Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, including newspaper serialisations, book deliveries by horse and carriage, and themed teasers. The novel debuted at No. 9 on the New York Times Best Seller list and received widespread critical acclaim.

Critics praised Clarke’s character writing and storytelling but also noted that the novel’s pace was sometimes slow. Neil Gaiman called it ‘the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last 70 years,’ while The New York Times described it as a ‘densely realised confection aloft’ due to its reverence for past writers.

Adaptations and Sequels

A BBC seven-part adaptation of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell began broadcast on May 17, 2015. The book was also adapted into an audio book by Audio Renaissance in 2004.

Clarke mentioned working on a sequel to Jonathan Strange, which she said was ‘a long way off’ due to her chronic fatigue syndrome and inability to make decisions. However, the legacy of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell lives on, continuing to captivate readers with its rich tapestry of magic, history, and human emotion.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a testament to the power of storytelling, weaving together complex characters and themes into a narrative that resonates with readers long after they turn the final page. It stands as a beacon in the world of fantasy literature, inviting us to explore the depths of our own imaginations.