Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Set in a parallel 19th-century England, this novel tells the story of two practicing magicians, Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange. Norrell, who aims to restore magic to respectability in England, is initially thrilled by Strange's natural aptitude for magic, and the two form a student-teacher relationship. However, their partnership soon deteriorates into rivalry as Strange, driven by the loss of his wife to the fairy realm, seeks to reintroduce the old, wilder forms of magic that Norrell disdains. Their conflict escalates, culminating in a magical duel that has profound consequences for the future of magic in England.
The 1137th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 4th on Top 100 Fantasy Books (Fantasy Book Review)
- 64th on Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books (NPR)
- 99th on 100 Best Books to Read by Women Authors (Good Housekeeping)
- 302nd on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Powell's Essential List: 25 Essential Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Isn't Enough: Our 25 Honorable Mentions (Powells' City of Books)
- Hugo Award for Best Novel (Hugo Awards)
- World Fantasy Award—Novel (World Fantasy Awards)
- The Best Books of the 2000s (The Onion AV Club)
- 100 Main Fantasy and Science-Fiction Books (www.mirf.ru (Russian))
- 50 Essential Fantasy Books (Abe Books)
- 87 Books Written by Women That Are So Good, You Won't Be Able to Put Them Down (Pop Sugar)
- 50 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels That Everyone Should Read (Flavor Wire)
- 222 Best Books of All Time That Deserve a Spot on Your Bookshelf, With Picks from Bestselling Authors and Indie Booksellers (Parade)
- 25 Books to Read Before you Die: 21st Century (Powell's Books)