One Sentence Summary:
In the world of 19th century England, two magicians, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, emerge and challenge the traditional views of magic, leading to a dangerous and complex battle between light and dark forces.
Book Genre:
Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Main Topic of the Book:
Magic, its revival and the consequences of its use in 19th century England
Key Ideas:
- The resurrection of magic in a society where it was thought to be long gone
- The clash between traditional and modern views of magic
- The consequences and dangers of meddling with dark forces
- The impact of magic on relationships and society as a whole
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
Part One: Mr. Norrell
- The story begins in the early 1800s when Mr. Norrell, a reclusive and reserved magician, reveals himself to the English society and offers to help them in their struggle against Napoleon.
- He becomes the first English magician in centuries and gains immense fame and wealth, but his obsession with preserving the integrity of magic and his rivalry with Jonathan Strange leads to disastrous consequences.
Part Two: Jonathan Strange
- Jonathan Strange, a charming and more modern magician, becomes Mr. Norrell’s apprentice and introduces new and controversial ideas about magic.
- As he delves deeper into magic, he discovers the existence of the mysterious fairy realm and their involvement in the history of English magic.
- Both Jonathan and Mr. Norrell become embroiled in a dangerous and complex conflict with the fairy world, unleashing dark forces that threaten to tear apart the fabric of society.
Part Three: The Returns of the Raven King
- The book concludes with the return of the legendary Raven King, a powerful fairy king who is believed to be the founder of English magic.
- The final showdown between good and evil forces, as well as the fates of all the characters, are revealed in this dramatic and action-packed section.
Key Takeaways:
- The revival of magic can have far-reaching consequences and disrupt the balance of power in society.
- Traditional beliefs and modern views of magic can clash and lead to conflicts and destruction.
- Meddling with dark forces can have disastrous and irreversible consequences.
- Relationships and society can be greatly impacted by the use of magic.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Susanna Clarke is a British author known for her fantasy and science fiction writings. She studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford University and then worked in publishing for over a decade before becoming a full-time writer. Her interest in folklore and history is evident in her writing, and she has won multiple awards for her work, including the Hugo Award and the World Fantasy Award.
Target Audience:
Fantasy and historical fiction enthusiasts, as well as readers interested in a complex and thought-provoking exploration of magic and its consequences.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Bloomsbury Publishing, September 8, 2004