Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Although the pace was rather sedate, I gradually became very absorbed in this novel about two magicians in early 1800s England. Mr. Norrell has decided that he is the man to bring magic back to England after its long absence. Jonathan Strange is first Norrell's pupil and then his rival as they struggle with the role of magic and who should be permitted to learn its secrets. The whole book is presented as a record of the era in magical history, complete with footnotes and references to other books on magic, all created by author Susanna Clarke. There are multiple inter-connected story threads which follow a number of people over the course of about 10 years. A lot is set up to be eventually paid off and for the most part the ending satisfies. Based on some of the reviews I was expecting to be more 'blown away', but the story is understated and leaves a lot to the reader to chew on and figure out as Clarke weaves her spell.