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Jonathan Strange Moderate Pace Discussion Thread
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Sue
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Sep 30, 2012 03:26PM
Looking forward to the discussion.
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So I read about two chapters of the book so far and it's spirit somehow caught me from the first page on. I really like the set up so far.Only thing I don't like is those footnotes that are far too long to be read too carefully by me. I always just skim through footnotes. Anybody else experiencing this?
That's exactly the same thoughts I'm having. I just read through some of them but skim through the rest. It's a good compromise to far.
I'm not minding the footnotes so far and actually sort of admire the way Clarke has created this entire alternate world where such footnotes are even called for.I've been reading a chapter a day and finding it relatively easy to do. The writing is excellent and the story is so interesting. I'm so curious about Mr Norrell and what is going to happen with magic in England.
Of the questions you have posed I will only deal with two, numbers 3 and 4. Firstly, as I've said above, I think the footnotes are very effective in helping to establish the universe that Clarke has created and give it authenticity. Reference to scholarly works and past Faery events certainly helps to legitimize the story.
As for what I like most so far, I'd say it is simply the narrative voice. I'm finding the story very easy to read, more so than expected.
Judy wrote: "Do they develop on separate tracks, or is magic perhaps just another branch of science, like physics and chemistry?When I saw this question, I thought, That is exactly how the pursuit of magic fe..."
It certainly seems to be thought of and respected as such.
Hi all -- I had planned to read at the fast track discussion but find that I am reading at the moderate pace discussion pace instead so I'll be posting here. Oct. 9 and I'm already behind LOL but I'll catch up to Ch. 17 by Saturday.
I was wondering if the Faerie would want the girl on "weekends"!I'm enjoying the story and the wonderful flow of it. Interesting how this lovely girl is more alive after being dead than she was before and is now a puzzle to Pole. I wonder if anything else about her has changed. She is certainly physically much stronger. And intends to be quite independent of her husband. Too early for a suffrsgette but maybe hint of faerie?
Also I loved the hint of the other magician, with the free-flowing red hair. Hmmm...hints of the future.
INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR SECTION 2I'm finding this a quick read even though it is hundreds of pages long! I like the footnotes, they are like a story within a story, with ties back to the main story.
When Lady Pole came back to life, she came back to life with perfect health. She was known to her friends and family as someone who is weak and ill. Not surprising that her character is different as a well person than as a sick person.
I want to like Mr. Norrell .... but I don't like how he's on a search-and-destroy mission targeting English magicians. It makes him more important if he's the only one; but wouldn't he be more important and powerful with the combined power of all magicians following him??
Interesting that the Faerie king brings black butler Stephen Black to the ball as well as Lady Pole.
Jonathan Strange appears in Chapter 14 and is not Mr. Segundus.
Now I should be reading "toppler" this week but I'll catch back up next week!
Mr Norrell really doesn't seem a very likable fellow and obviously doesn't care how he is perceived by others. He seems more a caricature in a way though I like his character as written. He's not a people person. He's devoted only to magic.Attendance at the ball seems to be having side-effects doesn't it. Perhaps people can't live part of their live in faerie.
Personally, I don't think he has much personality. He's lived mostly alone for some time, it appears, and he likes it that way. He doesn't appear to be a misanthrope, just uninterested in, and not really understanding, others. Poor parenting with poor socializing undoubtedly!On the other side he's gullible enough to let others lead him!
Judy wrote: "That's what I don't understand...the letting others leading him but yet he seems to know exactly what he wants but its like he second guesses himself when a socialite like Drawlight suggests someth..."That's where it seems as if he isn't very socialized and hasn't probably concerned himself with people in the past. Now he has moved into "society" not appearing to realize that there are daily interpersonal requirements.
It seems that he does know what he wants but he has no idea how these wants/hopes may impact the people around him (or perhaps doesn't truly care until he is encouraged to do so by those seeking some benefit for themselves).
He sees himself as a pure magician and does not seem to care about the world all that much.
I agree re the names. They have a Dickensian feel to them at times as does the novel itself. Makes me think of the medieval, etc British names that are related to occupation (i.e. blacksmith, cooper)
I decided not to do the toppler...too much other reading going on. Good luck Amber!
looks like i'm going to join you guys on the moderate pace schedule..and play catch up at the same time.
Sue wrote: "Welcome Amy. I'm actually a bit behind this week. I think I'm at the beginning of chapter 20. I should be able to get back on track fairly easily. It's really a great read. I like that the chapters are relatively short.
Oct 14 - 20: ch 18-24I just finished ch. 24, so I'm one week behind.
I wasn't surprised that Mr. Norrell was cold toward Mr. Strange. Who wants a rival after all? This section ends with Mr. Norrell agreeing to take Mr. Strange on as a pupil. I was surprised by that, especially as the text says Mr. Norrell was "elated" by Mr. Strange's demonstration of a basic magic trick. Maybe they'll be partners instead of rivals?
Judy wrote: "I'm almost up to you DeeDee, hopefully tonight I'll get to this week's reading. (Chapter 22)I keep chuckling as I read, because its like Clarke is poking a little bit of fun at English government...
But still can't mentioning that Walter Pole + Mary Pole doesn't look too hopeful for producing a TadPole. (considering Mary's trancelike behavior, sitting for hours in her room.) "
I'm thinking the physical changes that brought her back to life also made her unable to bear children. No TadPoles.
As if SEX would ever be contemplated in Harley street!!
I'm enjoying these "alternate" forms of words. When I have some time, I'd love to look some of them up in the OED. Since I've read how long Clarke took in writing this book, I'm sure she must have researched the language too. It seems that she has made every effort to lend authenticity and a "you are there" sensation to the story.As for family trees of the time---oh yeah. It is amazing that those trees were so large!!
Oct 21 - 27: ch 25-30Mr. Strange goes to Portugal to help Britain fight Napoleon. I liked the magic he winds up doing for the British (view spoiler). I can see how that would be useful.
I like the meandering style Ms. Clarke uses. It reminds me of Charles Dickens -- yes the plot does advance, but the byways and digressions are part of the novel's enjoyment.
On to next week's section!
I've completed last week's section (through ch 24) and especially enjoyed the episodes where Strange and Norrell meet. I'm looking forward to the "education sequences coming in the current week's chapters. Hopefully I'll catch up before long though I'm not going to worry about it. I'm enjoying it too much.Deedee, I love Clarke's style too. All those byways add so much to the world she is creating.
I'm part way through this week's reading...just after Windsor episode. I loved the ship episode. Very poetic. Almost Homeric the way Clarke wrote it.
What did you think of the capsized ship episode? Which chapter was that? I'm reading ch. 32 now and I don't recall that .... Mr. Strange has (view spoiler) but I don't recall a capsized ship.
I just finished ch.36. You're going to like these chapters Judy.For some reason, the faerie seems to have found Stephen both noble in his bearing and downtrodden because he is a servant. Of course he also seems a bit mad (the faerie that is) so his motivations don't seem to have much depth. There is an element of spite there even under the friendship. He won't listen to and doesn't care if he hurts any human.
Judy wrote: "Chapters 35-36This revealing of Mr. Drawlight's and Mr. Lascelles true character could turn out interesting. I thought Mr. Drawlight was too lazy to think up his little scheme."
A chapter or two before, if I remember correctly, I think there was a foreboding of more sinister sides. And I seem to recall he was trying to create a rift between the magicians. Guess that didn't work out. Those two are so lazy that I can see them thinking this was an easy way to earn money. ?They had pulled the wool over Norrell's eyes for so long, they didn;t realize Strange wasn't as gullible and was very willing to act.
Actually I'll be glad to see the end of Drawlight. I wonder if Lascelles will be seen again.
And to think, we still have half the book to go. I imagine there will be very strange trips on "The Road" ahead. Arabella will probably give in eventually.
I forgot you're a twin.I'm thinking this is well on it's way to a 5. This is my dirty little GR secret...I do start forming ratings feelings as I read!
And I like Arabella too. I'd really like her to have a baby magician. Can only imagine how repulsed Mr Norrell would be by the thought!
Judy wrote: "DeeDee, It is Chapter 28, the False Prelate is lying on her side on a shoal near Portsmouth...."
OK I see it now --- with the clouds of horses and the relocating sandbars. To be honest, this vignette didn't make a big impression on me, I read it and then proceeded to the next section. What I remember is the golem out of flower pots LOL.
Judy wrote: "Chapters 35-36This revealing of Mr. Drawlight's and Mr. Lascelles true character could turn out interesting. I thought Mr. Drawlight was too lazy to think up his little scheme."
I didn't think Mr. Drawlight was lazy -- quite the contrary. He appeared to me to be that standard British character of someone who is hobnobbing with the elite without the wealth and/or "background" to justify his being in that kind of company. His scheme gives him the cash infusion to maintain his lifestyle. (sort of like Prince Andrew's ex selling access to Prince Andrew to get the cash for HER expenses) Not surprising Mr. Drawlight is shunned when he's found out.
I liked the travel by mirrors. I suspect Mr. Strange will travel more that way, regardless of Arabella's opinions. Maybe she'll start going with him? Nah, I don't see Mr. Strange willingly bringing Arabella through the mirrors. Would be interesting though.
RE: I'm thinking this is well on it's way to a 5. This is my dirty little GR secret...I do start forming ratings feelings as I read! I do too! And, after 38 chapters read, I'm also thinking "5", unless the plot goes splat, in which case it will be downgraded.
Deedee and Judy, it seems we all have similar feelings for this book. I'm so glad this became a buddy read. i've had it on my shelf for quite a while and have no idea when I would finally have read it left to my own devices.
My fear is that The TD faerie will take Arabella into the half life as he has done with Lady Pole and Stephen. If that were to happen, hopefully her husband would be able to rescue her.
I don't know what chapter you're on Judy, but that question seems to be partly answered. I just completed ch 39. I'm hoping that Strange may find a way to help Mrs Pole.
I'm a week ahead on readings, so I'll hold my comments for a few days, and so match my comments with the schedule. Chapter 44 -- wow -- when we start commenting on chapter 44+ should we use (view spoiler)?
I have 2 books I have to finish by the 15th and 16th but I'll be catching up with J&MN too. It's just so good.Not too far behind since I'm starting ch 40.
I completed through ch 42 last night. My fears are being realized. TDHM has his eyes on Arabella!I'm also surprised that Strange didn't support Segundus and the school, yet he is often somewhat self-involved and clueless at times. I'm liking Mr Norrell less and less all the time.
But then...a confrontation with TDHM! And Strange already is curious about this silver haired man his wife has seen at the Pole's home.
I know what you mean. Hope to start ch 43 tonight. Definitely by tomorrow.
I wonder if, in fact, she is gone or whether the Arabella who came back to the house was a substitute sent bu the TDHM. He wouldn't need to keep her only half time like Mrs Pole and wouldn't want Strange searching. And she mentioned her "roots" and there was the odd water.Have to admit I was upset she died. Had to stop reading for a bit. Now I'm up to ch 47. It's helpful having it on Kindle too---read some at a doctor's appt yesterday. No way I could carry the book!
Yes Judy, it's going much too quickly. I wouldn't mind if it were 2000 pages! (although it would be a bit difficult to hold)The idea about Arabella didn't come to me right away, but after a while I was thinking what good would it serve the TDHM for her to be dead. Would she be able to be alive in one world if she was dead in the other?
Well I reached a certain point and just had to keep reading til I finished. I'm so sorry it's over. After a suitable interval, I'll have to return to fantasy-land with another book but I wonder if anything can live up to this. I had a very similar, wonderful feeling when I finished Among Others which I do recommend.
P.S. I did write a spoiler-free review and gave it 5 stars.
Yes I'm very glad for the group too. Without it, I don't know when I would have been motivated to read this given it's size. Who knew that it's actually fun to read.
I over scheduled myself this month and didn't even make it half way. I think after Christmas I will start it over. What I did read I really enjoyed and I think it's one of those books that I want to be able to give my full attention to and savor.
Amber wrote: "I've decided it's not realistic to expect myself to complete this book until January. I've taken on too many other reading goals and with the holiday season upon us, reading time has become limite..."Never! You can be one of the doleful animals, not the horrible humans! And then Sarah MacLachlan can sing to you!
