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Original poster

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

36 replies

MyIronLung · 27/08/2015 12:29

I'm about 130 pages in and I'm struggling! Theres been a couple of bits that I've enjoyed but on the whole, so far, I'm finding it very dry!

Is it worth persevering? I'm normally loathe to give up on books (especially ones that I hankered after for ages and was certain I'd love!) but it's so big and the thought of just struggling through the next 900 pages or so is making me want to set fire to the flipping thing!

OP posts:
BobbinThreadbare · 27/08/2015 13:04

JS and Mr N is worth finishing. There's supposed to be another; I bought it when it first came out so I've been waiting ages for the sequel..!

Mr Whicher, on the other hand, is atrocious, which is unusual for me to say as I will read anything and always try to finish a book.

There's another peculiar, bad, 1800s set novel called the Glass Books of he Dream Eaters. I had to give that to the charity bin. Sheesh!

OneBiscuitAtATime · 27/08/2015 12:56

I've read it too, and I really enjoyed it once it got going. No idea how many pages in though.

kelda · 27/08/2015 12:56

I saw the TV adaptation first, I want to watch it again. There was so much I missed that is explained in the book.

kelda · 27/08/2015 12:55

I have recently finished it, I loved it. I really get her dry humour.

I plan on reading the Ladies of Grace Adieu next.

Original poster
MyIronLung · 27/08/2015 12:54

costa Grin
What makes it worse is I have a ton of other books I want to read on my shelves and kindle!

OP posts:
Original poster
MyIronLung · 27/08/2015 12:52

Hmm, mixed responses. I think I'm going to give it another 100 pages or so and then think about it again. Hopefully by then I'll be engrossed Grin.

buttercup I've got the BBC adaptation recorded but if I don't finish the book I won't be able to watch it. The guilt will eat away at me for quitting, and I really want to watch it!

I honestly found War and Peace easier than this...

OP posts:
Costacoffeeplease · 27/08/2015 12:51

No, it's not worth persevering - step away now!! I spent bloody hours on it earlier this year, as so many here recommended it, and I thought it might get better, but it doesn't. Go and watch some paint dry for a bit instead

Ditto for Poisonwood Bible

Badders123 · 27/08/2015 12:43

I couldn't get through it.
Ditto Mr whicher

atticusclaw2 · 27/08/2015 12:34

DH is convinced that the difference between bookworm DS1 and book hating DS2 is the fact that DS1 had Jonathan Strange read to him whilst in my tummy and DS2 had the Da Vinci Code!! Grin

atticusclaw2 · 27/08/2015 12:33

DH read the book to my tummy when I was pregnant with DS1. Its wordy but is worth persevering with. It's well written and a good story.

Buttercup27 · 27/08/2015 12:32

You need to finish it and let me know if it's worth starting! I watched the TV series and really enjoyed it and assumed like most things the book would be better im guessing I'm wrong

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