Right, I finished this on Sunday. It took me just short of two weeks to read it, which considering it is a huge book, that you HAVE to rest on something to read, isn't bad going.
As Sin has bought this book, I won't spoil it by saying anything other than the bumph from the dust jacket.
Two magicians shall appear in England
the first shall fear me
The second shall long to behold me
Centuries ago, when magic still existed in England, the greatest magician of all was the Raven King. A human child brought up by the fairies, the Raven King blended fairy wisdom and human reason to create English magic. Now at the beginning of the nineteenth century, he is barely more than a legend, and England with its and King and its dashing poets, no longer believes in practical magic.
Then the reclusive Mr Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey appears and casues the statues of York Cathedral to speak and move. News spreads of the return of magic to England and, persuaded that he must help the government in the war against Napoleon, Mr Norrell goes to London. There he meets a brilliant young magician and takes him as a pupil; Jonathon Strange is charming, rich and arrogant. Together, they dazzle the country with their feats.
But the partnership soon turns to rivalry. Mr Norrell has never conquered his lifelong habits of secrecy, while Strange will always be attarcted to the wildest, most perilous magic. He becomes fascinated by the shadowy figure of the Raven King, and his heedless pursuit of long-forgotten magic threatens not only his partnership with Norrell, but everything he holds dear.
Elegant, witty and utterly compelling, Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell creates a past world of great mystery and beauty that will hold the reader in thrall until the last page.
The only other thing I will say is that although Susanna Clarke ends the book neatly, there is an opening for a possible sequel, if she feels one is necessary.
http://www.jonathanstrange.com/ Has some more information about the books
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