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What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

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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:

Original poster

MyIronLung · 27/08/2015 21:28

That's the thing southeast, I love fantasy normally.

I'm carrying on because there have been parts that I've really enjoyed, hopefully they'll be more...

OP posts:

SoupDragon · 27/08/2015 21:34

Probably won't ever pick up another fantasy book again.

Noooo - please don't judge a whole genre by one book!

stopfaffing · 27/08/2015 21:43

I haven't finished Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell either although I have enjoyed reading it. If you're not sure, leave it.

The Name of the Rose - I love the film to bits (Sean Connery, pwar and Christian Slater, so cute ) and watch it again and again. The characters, the atmosphere, the story and the setting are compelling. I even loved the book! goes off to find my video copy

stopfaffing · 27/08/2015 21:46

Talking of quirky books, I recently finished The Miniaturist and felt disappointed at the end. I had expectations which were not realised and perhaps this is my fault, but still.

Original poster

MyIronLung · 01/09/2015 20:04

Just a quick update as I'm sure you've all been on tenterhooks about this .
I'm now up to page 280 and surprisingly have started to really enjoy it. I think a few things influenced my struggle in the beginning, chiefly, it being the holidays and having a very demanding 4 yr old. This meant that I was unable to read for more than 5 minutes before I got called to do something/fetch something/wipe something/look at something! This meant that I didn't have the chance to get used to the style of writing before I had to put it down again.

I'm so glad I did persevere because I'm loving it now

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minsmum · 07/09/2015 21:23

Thank heaven's for that. I picked it for book club and I don't think anyone is enjoying it yet. I will tell them

Phantomquartz · 07/09/2015 21:44

It is one of my favourite books - and I highly recommend the audiobook. You do really need to get into it though. I gave up a couple of times before I got all the way through. It is one of those books that once you've got into it you don't want it to end.

queenrollo · 18/09/2015 20:35

I finished it. It did get much better as I got further in, and most telling is that when I got to the end I had a 'that can't be the end' feeling. I wanted it to go on a bit longer.

BeeBawBabbity · 20/09/2015 00:16

It definitely has great bits and dull bits. I found once they got to Venice I really began to enjoy it. I loved the TV adaptation, then read the book after. As usual I got much more from the book, especially the end.

minsmum · 26/09/2015 23:28

Just to let you know that I have finished . I wouldn't have if I hadn't read this thread and I really ended up loving it. I ended up reading the last third really slowly because I didn't want it to end. Thank you

CheekyBambino · 27/09/2015 22:45

I love that book so am very pleased to see your update! You are right about needing time to get into the style, which can't be easy with a toddler! DS is 8 months and I've read very little since he was born. Have you read her book of short stories? They are very good too. I keep hoping she'll write a sequel to JS & Mr N.

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