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A Goodreads user asked this question about Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell:
I'm watching the BBC1 tv series based on this book, how does the story in the book compare to the tv series?
Boy Blue In terms of plot they're pretty similar. In terms of characters, they are quite different. Norrell is almost identical in both. Strange is more emotio…moreIn terms of plot they're pretty similar. In terms of characters, they are quite different. Norrell is almost identical in both. Strange is more emotional in the TV series and in some ways more charming. The love between him and his wife is far more victorian in the book. Whereas, on TV it's very modern chick flick. Childermass is better in the book I feel (more enigmatic) but Stephen Black probably suffers the most on TV, his character is very much reduced to an unthinking automaton. I also thought the sycophants surrounding Norrell get too much screen time. Overall, the magic of the book is stronger. While the TV series is easier to watch, the book is ultimately more rewarding and paints a better picture. If you watch the TV series first you won't get to imagine your own version of everything because you'll have the characters and settings already in your head, which may detract from it. Especially if you really don't like some of the actors.(less)
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Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
by Susanna Clarke
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