Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

The audiobook version of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is narrated by Simon Prebble, who does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Prebble’s narration is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of capturing the different voices and personalities of the various characters in the book.

The story begins with Mr Norrell, a reclusive magician who has spent years studying the history of magic in England. Norrell is determined to revive the practice of magic in England, which has been dormant for centuries. He begins by performing a series of impressive feats of magic, which attract the attention of the British government.

Norrell is eventually invited to London, where he becomes the talk of the town. He is courted by the rich and powerful, and he uses his magic to help the British government in their war against Napoleon. However, Norrell’s success is short-lived, as he soon discovers that he is not the only magician in England.

Jonathan Strange is a young man who discovers that he has a natural talent for magic. He becomes Norrell’s apprentice, but the two men soon find themselves at odds with each other. Strange is more interested in exploring the limits of magic, while Norrell is more concerned with preserving the traditions of the past.

The conflict between Norrell and Strange is the driving force of the novel. The two men have very different approaches to magic, and their disagreements lead to a series of dramatic events that have far-reaching consequences for England.

One of the strengths of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is its world-building. Susanna Clarke has created a rich and detailed alternate history of England, where magic is an accepted part of society. The book is full of references to real historical events and figures, which adds to the sense of realism.

The audiobook version of the novel does an excellent job of bringing this world to life. Simon Prebble’s narration is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of capturing the different voices and personalities of the various characters in the book. The audiobook also includes footnotes, which are read out loud by Prebble. This is a nice touch, as it allows the listener to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Clarke’s world-building.

Another strength of the novel is its characters. Norrell and Strange are both complex and interesting characters, and their relationship is the heart of the story. Norrell is a fascinating character, as he is both brilliant and flawed. He is a man who is obsessed with magic, but he is also deeply insecure and afraid of losing control.

Strange, on the other hand, is a more sympathetic character. He is a young man who is eager to explore the limits of magic, and he is frustrated by Norrell’s conservatism. Strange’s journey throughout the novel is one of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace his own unique approach to magic.

The supporting cast of characters is also well-drawn. There are a number of memorable characters in the book, including Lady Pole, a woman who is trapped in a magical sleep; Stephen Black, a servant who becomes the king of Faerie; and Childermass, Norrell’s loyal servant.

One of the few weaknesses of the novel is its pacing. The book is over 800 pages long, and there are times when the story feels slow and meandering. However, this is a minor quibble, as the book is so well-written and engaging that it is easy to overlook this issue.

Overall, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is an excellent novel, and the audiobook version is a great way to experience the story. Simon Prebble’s narration is top-notch, and he does an excellent job of bringing the characters and world of the book to life. If you are a fan of fantasy or historical fiction, then this book is definitely worth checking out.