Jonathan Strange and Mr Norell - anyone read it?

[Klio]

I am about a third of the way through and and am finding it hard going! Is it worth sticking with it or should I put it on one side. I am usually a voracious reader and love a variety of genres from Classic literature to modern novels, but I am really struggling with this novel. What do people think?

[janeite]

I tried and failed - couldn't muster up enough enthusiasm to finish it.

[Klio]

I feel like gouging my eyes out so I don't have to read any more!

[janeite]

Just put it down and walk away - life is too short to read books that you're not enjoying!

[ScottishMummy]

if a book does not enthuse and enthral i don't continue.wont get that time back.wasted time you know

wasted too much time on many books that werent worth it

[Klio]

Yeah that is what I was thinking! I suppose I just wanted to check with some other mnetters first. If I was deluged by a flood of people enthusing about the book and how amazing it gets I may have stuck with it, but I think not!

[jezzemx]

Tried to finish it last year and I gave up. Something I hate doing, even if a book is hard going I can normally persevere but I just banged my head off this book (gave me a headache because it's that bloody heavy)and put it back on the bookshelf.

[ChukkyPig]

Yes - and I really enjoyed it. From what I remember it got going about 1/2 way through.

But, it's the sort of book I enjoy so I percevered, and was on holiday with my mum and gran so reading was pretty much the only excitement!

If you're not enjoying it at all pack it in. I am doing this more and more. When I was on the tube 3 hours a day it seemed crazy not to finish everything. Now at home with the baby if I can't get into it I just give up.

[greenandpleasant]

I enjoyed it, but from start to finish. If you're only 1/3 of the way through what is a very long book, best cut your losses and move on! I too used to insist on finishing every book I started but reading time is too precious to waste on a slog.

[Evelynsmum]

I must admit I hated this book (and I usually love genre books).

I think it was all the self indulgent footnotes...

Personally lifes too short to read a book that you're not enjoying and there are plenty of others out there.

[DANCESwithLordPottingtonSmythe]

Oh I gave up with this. It was immensely tedious. First book I've given up on for years.

[mymblemummy]

I loved this from start to finish.

If it hasn't grabbed you by now, I don't think it is going to, so I'd give it to Oxfam and find something else.

[zazen]

I loved this from start to finish and just couldn't put it down - and it's quite hefty.

I think you'll know by now to dump it if you haven't clicked with it yet.

[ravenAK]

I had to make myself finish it.

I thought there were some great 'set scenes' in it, & the prose style was well sustained if a bit arch - but I didn't really care about the characters or the outcome.

Can't remember much about it, either.

I'd do as mymblemummy suggests & pass it on!

[zazen]

X-posts mymblemummy!

[harpsichordcarrier]

I loved it too - but honestly, give it up if it isn't working for you

[bellabelly]

I thought it was fantastic but agree that life is too short to waste on books you don't enjoy.

[mymblemummy]

Zazen...spooky!

[vodkamartini]

I enjoyed most of it. There were sections where I was so bored in, though...but I kept going and I am glad I finished it.
Actually, now I think about it, I was bored during most of it... give it away!!

[Chianna]

I personally thought it was really good but I have to agree that reading is for pleasure so if you are not enjoying it I would give up and read something else. If you like the kind of alternative history type books I would recommend The Glass Books of the Dreameaters - a bit random but very good.

[lyrasilver]

I kept hoping it was going to get really good... it should have been a great read and yet, somehow, just never was. Finished it with an air of disapointment.