Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums - View Single Post - Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell: April's Book Club Discussion

No Inspiration · 18th April 2007, 05:47 AM

For me, there was a huge sense of accomplishment upon finishing this book. I don't mean this due to the length, I routinely read books of this length or longer. It was more like finally completeing a huge project.
I did not go into reading this book with much anticipation. I found the beginning to be horribly mundane, almost unbearably monotonous, really. It took a good 350-400 pages for me to decide that I might actually like to finish it. However; after paying 12.95 CAD for it, I was quite reluctant to give up entirely, and I'm extremely glad I didn't.
While admittedly not the most fast paced, or engrossing book I've ever read, JS&MN had a good payout. I really did find myself enjoying it alot toward the end.
As to the storyline, I was really hoping for more from the infamous Library of Mr Norrell. It was completely anticlimactic for me. The whole lead up to JS's encounter with the library was a huge part of the texture of the story, and I felt let down by it's reality. I'm not saying that I expected something fantastical, I just truly thought it would be a more major event. That said, I'm not sure why exactly I expected something major from this book. While I am fond of JS&MN, it's just not the type of book to give you that `wow` moment.
I definitly think this book is an acquired taste. It is certainly not for everyone, Hugo award or no. You really have to take it as a journey type of book. Do not expect a huge, spectacular ending. It just wouldn't fit. The ending is just as meandering and nonsensical as the rest of the book.
Anyway, this post has gone quite to the rambling side. Just wanted to add something to the discussion.
Lena.

18th April 2007, 05:47 AM	#46 (permalink)
No Inspiration Newbie, :). Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 34	Re: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell: April's Book Club Discussion For me, there was a huge sense of accomplishment upon finishing this book. I don't mean this due to the length, I routinely read books of this length or longer. It was more like finally completeing a huge project. I did not go into reading this book with much anticipation. I found the beginning to be horribly mundane, almost unbearably monotonous, really. It took a good 350-400 pages for me to decide that I might actually like to finish it. However; after paying 12.95 CAD for it, I was quite reluctant to give up entirely, and I'm extremely glad I didn't. While admittedly not the most fast paced, or engrossing book I've ever read, JS&MN had a good payout. I really did find myself enjoying it alot toward the end. As to the storyline, I was really hoping for more from the infamous Library of Mr Norrell. It was completely anticlimactic for me. The whole lead up to JS's encounter with the library was a huge part of the texture of the story, and I felt let down by it's reality. I'm not saying that I expected something fantastical, I just truly thought it would be a more major event. That said, I'm not sure why exactly I expected something major from this book. While I am fond of JS&MN, it's just not the type of book to give you that `wow` moment. I definitly think this book is an acquired taste. It is certainly not for everyone, Hugo award or no. You really have to take it as a journey type of book. Do not expect a huge, spectacular ending. It just wouldn't fit. The ending is just as meandering and nonsensical as the rest of the book. Anyway, this post has gone quite to the rambling side. Just wanted to add something to the discussion. Lena.