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Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell discussion thread - No spoilers until 28 March, please

228 replies

CoteDAzur · 25/01/2015 21:14

A number of us over on 50-Book Challenge thread are interested in reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by 28 March. Everyone is welcome to join in, and feel free to start posting, but please refrain from spoilers until 28 March. Enjoy Smile

OP posts:
DuchessofMalfi · 06/03/2015 07:48

Has anyone else read, or is planning to read, the accompanying short stories The Ladies of Grace Adieu? I started it last night.

Pinkglow · 03/03/2015 13:09

About half way through now and quite enjoying the imagey, Stephen and the man with the Thistle-down hair much more than the Magician stuff. I think it will make for good TV

tumbletumble · 27/02/2015 22:25

Finished! Great book. Will go and review it on the 50 book thread.

Original poster
CoteDAzur · 27/02/2015 10:48

I started to re-read this book last night and I'm at 11% now. It has been over two years since I read it - I'm finding that I don't really remember all the details of the story. It is as subtly humorous and worthy of savouring as I remember it, though Smile

OP posts:
DuchessofMalfi · 26/02/2015 18:17

I've started a linked thread for anyone who has finished reading the book and wants to ask questions/discuss aspects of the book with spoilers in advance of the main discussion on this thread.

antimatter · 25/02/2015 15:17

I'll try to find and quote them Duchess.

DuchessofMalfi · 25/02/2015 12:58

Which bits antimatter? Do you mean intentionally or unintentionally funny? There were quite a few moments I thought were humorous.

MaCosta · 25/02/2015 12:45

Ah, I'm so glad you're all reading this. DH read it to my tummy when DS was in there! Its a fantastic book.

antimatter · 25/02/2015 12:44

Is anyone else finding some parts very funny?

stubbornstains · 24/02/2015 21:28

I'm sure they exist....You just have to look in the right way.....Smile.

DuchessofMalfi · 24/02/2015 20:56

It's very believable. I imagined them to be like the hollow ways I read about in Robert Macfarlane' s book. Creepy overgrown dark places.

UptoapointLordCopper · 24/02/2015 19:39

Probably wouldn't want a Faerie road nearby. Grin

I half believe in this alternative history of England...

Southeastdweller · 24/02/2015 19:08

I'm looking forward to reading your review, Duchess Smile

DuchessofMalfi · 24/02/2015 15:48

Grin No I wouldn't want to find a faerie road opening up next to me.

stubbornstains · 24/02/2015 14:43

(actually, thinking about it, that wouldn't be too nice, would it? They'd probably steal DS)

stubbornstains · 24/02/2015 14:27

Well, completely independently of this thread, I read this for the 2nd time a couple of weeks ago, and loved it just as much as the first time. I had no idea they were adapting it for TV- how exciting! I hope it's better than Gormenghast Hmm. I liked the palette of greys in the photo and the clip- that's just how I imagine the scenes in the book to be set, visually.

I've just been told they're opening up a gateway in the allotment wall, right next to my plot, into the tangly, mysterious woods beyond- it will be difficult not to imagine that as Faerie Smile.

DuchessofMalfi · 24/02/2015 14:13

Finished about 5 mins ago. Wow, what a book Smile

tumbletumble · 24/02/2015 14:07

Well done Duchess! I'm on 55% and really enjoying it.

DuchessofMalfi · 23/02/2015 21:28

94% - on track to finish tomorrow :)

Costacoffeeplease · 23/02/2015 09:11

Yes it is, veeeerrrrryyy long, but it's over now, onwards and upwards

The Goldfinch was much better, although I didn't love it, at least there were parts I enjoyed, this just dragged on and on and round and round, quite tedious really

DuchessofMalfi · 23/02/2015 09:01

You'll be fine Southeast :) It really is an easy read and the story just carries you along.

Southeastdweller · 23/02/2015 08:30

Feelinga bit nervous about starting this next week, anyone else feel like this? Or maybe daunted is a better word. Then again, I felt like that about The Goldfinch and ended up loving it.

DuchessofMalfi · 23/02/2015 07:58

That's a shame Costa. It's such a long book if you're not enjoying it.

On the whole I've been enjoying it, lovely writing, witty, intelligent, great story which has had the time to unfold slowly and in detail.

However, I think in the last quarter it has been wandering off a little bit, and the Old Lady of Cannaregio episode went a bit weird (even for me :o). Hard to say anything much without plot-spoiling.

I should finish it hopefully tomorrow, if I can get another big chunk of it read today. It's still heading for a 5/5 but am now mindful of your comments about the ending Costa. I really don't want it to disappoint me.

Costacoffeeplease · 23/02/2015 05:48

I've just finished it, and like pp, found it hard going and I'm just glad it's stopped now.Smile it was more of a chore than a pleasure

Didn't really enjoy it and a disappointing ending - I'll probably watch the tv adaptation but it won't be going down as one of my favourite books

DuchessofMalfi · 23/02/2015 05:25

83% - nearly thereSmile

Venice episode has gone a bit weird.

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