AltMedia Review - Books: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

Because this latest DVD review is going to take so long (six discs!), thought I'd weigh in with another AltMedia Review.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is set in the early 19th Century in London, and centers on two magicians who are endeavoring to bring magic back to England. One (Norrell) wishes to horde the knowledge, manage who has access to it, and basically be in charge with how it manifests itself. The other (Strange) tends to take the opposite stance...magic should be taught, and spread more freely. Neither main protagonist was really that likeable, which was kind of a strike against it.

This book was damn long. Like, over 700 pages. The unique writing style (very Dickens-like) was a little at odds with the subject matter, so it came off a little like Great Expectations meets a grown-up Harry Potter.

Overall...well, did I mention it was long? Took a while for me to get through this one. I was drawn into it at first, but then slowly became mired in the fact that there was little plot. Or, rather, a series of little plots. But there was little to no overarching ultimate story that had me drawn in from beginning to end. In summary...wouldn't really recommend this. Spend time reading the Harry Potter series instead, which goes a lot quicker, has likeable characters, and stories/plots that draw you in from beginning to end.