Jonathan Strange

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Masterpiece of English Fantasy

Imagine a world where magic and reason collide, where the past whispers through the pages of history, and where two men must navigate the treacherous waters of their own hearts. This is the essence of Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

The Birth of a Masterpiece

When did Susanna Clarke first conceive this magical tale? In 1992, while teaching in Spain, she read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. This sparked an idea that would take ten years to fully bloom into a novel that would captivate readers and critics alike.

A Tale of Two Magicians

At the heart of this story lie two men, Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange. Norrell is a practical magician who revives English magic in London, while Strange is a visionary who challenges his mentor’s rigid views on magic.

The Learned Society of York Magicians

But the story begins long before these two men meet. It starts with the Learned Society of York Magicians, a group of theoretical magicians studying magical texts and history. Their world is turned upside down when they encounter Mr Gilbert Norrell, who proves his skill by making statues speak.

The Rise to London

Mr Norrell moves to London with the goal of reviving English magic. However, he faces numerous challenges and setbacks. His journey is not just about magic but also about understanding the nature of ‘Englishness’ itself.

A World of Fairies and Myths

The novel delves into the mythology of fairies and the supernatural with meticulous detail. Characters like John Childermass, Christopher Drawlight, and Henry Lascelles add layers to this rich tapestry of magic and mystery.

Key Figures in the Story

John Childermass is Mr Norrell’s factotum, a practical magician opposed to Drawlight and Lascelles. Christopher Drawlight and Henry Lascelles are gentlemen about town who become Norrell’s acquaintances. The Gentleman with the Thistledown Hair is a powerful fairy who plays a significant role in the story.

The Struggle Between Reason and Unreason

At its core, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell explores the tension between reason and unreason. This struggle is personified through the relationship between Norrell and Strange, who clash over John Uskglass’s importance to English magic.

The Splitting of Opinions

As the story progresses, opinions split into ‘Norrellites’ and ‘Strangites.’ The two men agree to part ways after Norrell confides in Strange about his failed attempts to summon John Uskglass. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship.

A Magical Renaissance

Despite their differences, Strange’s efforts to revive magic lead to a magical renaissance. He travels to Venice, meets Flora Greysteel, and becomes fond of her. However, his journey is not without its challenges, as he discovers Arabella Woodhope is alive and being held captive in Lost-Hope.

The Impenetrable Darkness

Strange’s efforts to rescue Arabella take a toll on his public reputation. He secludes himself with Flora in Padua, and Strange instructs Drawlight to deliver messages before dismissing him. The novel ends with Strange summoning John Uskglass to undo Arabella’s enchantment, while Childermass breaks the curse on Lady Pole.

The Legacy of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Clarke’s style has been described as a pastiche of nineteenth-century British writers such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. The novel uses obsolete spellings and free indirect speech to convey its literary voice, creating a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction.

A Critical Success

The book was well received by critics and reached number three on the New York Times Best Seller list. It won the 2005 Hugo Award for Best Novel and was longlisted for the 2004 Man Booker Prize. The novel’s marketing campaign was massive, with newspaper serializations, themed teasers, and advanced readers’ copies sent out to 7,500 people.

Adaptations and Beyond

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

The Sequel’s Journey

In 2004, Clarke mentioned working on a sequel but progress has been slowed due to illness, including chronic fatigue syndrome. A sequel is planned but considered ‘a long way off’ due to decision-making difficulties caused by the author’s condition.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a testament to the power of storytelling. It invites us to explore the depths of human emotion, the complexities of magic, and the enduring spirit of Englishness. In this world where reason and unreason collide, we find not just a story but a mirror reflecting our own struggles and triumphs.