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February 19, 2009
round one: jonathan strange & the rope eater
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Novel
I would describe this book as Harry Potter for adults, except that Harry Potter isn't not for adults, so that doesn't quite capture it. This is also a book about magic, but not boy wizards, rather, gentleman magicians.
I enjoyed this book almost completely. It's long--more than a thousand pages as a paperback--but Clarke was able to keep the story moving and changing in a way that compelled me and I finished it rather quickly. Also, unlike my common complaint about modern fiction, there was a satisfying, if not completely pat, conclusion to the whole enterprise.
The Rope Eater
A Union soldier deserts and ends up on an exploration ship bound for the arctic. What do the explorers seek? What will they find? Entertaining, if a bit flaky near the end.
I read this book during the summer when arctic ice floes and frost-bitten digits were almost unimaginable. Don't read this book in the winter.
Up against three of the previous competitors (maybe even The Plot Against America), The Rope Eater would have been victorious. Too bad; I was completely captivated by JS & Mr. N.
Winner: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
05:15 PM | Permalink
Comments
I loved JS & MN, too. And found it satisfying to have an "old fashioned" ending rather than the typical malaisey trail-off that seems to be the fashion now.
I'll have to keep The Rope Eater in mind for next summer when it's 120* out (you think I'm joking) and I feel like I will go nuts if I have to endure another day of heat. (When I first moved here, some of the first books I bought were books on the Antarctic exploration expeditions. Because it was over 100 degrees, sunny and dry, and I began to feel a bit baked. And not baked in a good way.)
Posted by: fillyjonk at Feb 20, 2009 8:28:06 AM
oh, I'm glad you enjoyed Jonathan Strange! I did too, although it took me a hundred pages or so to really get into it.
Posted by: Big Alice at Feb 20, 2009 11:10:50 AM
thanks for introduce another great book. I love Harry Potter and hope also enjoy this book. Addi Needles arpat yarn store
Posted by: Pat at Feb 21, 2009 3:10:47 AM
I found this site, by accident. I was looking for an old friend. I took your advice on Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I enjoyed it a great deal. Thanks, Was better than finding the old friend.
Posted by: Bill at Mar 5, 2009 3:29:18 PM
Because I do not knit, I will not be viewing your site anymore. It is more for the ladys. Maybe I will check back in a few years, for another good book. Take care. Bill
Posted by: Bill at Mar 5, 2009 5:05:52 PM
