Previous BOMs - Authors; A - D: Clarke, Susanna - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - Informal Buddy Read; Start: January 8,2015--REVISIT-- 22 June 2018

[Lexi]

I'm in for this one. It seems to have had quite the discussion before.

[[deleted user]]

I’d like to join in on this buddy read! I’m with Team Nymphadora Tonks in Tower Teams.

[Victoria]

Glad we have a few others joining!

I’m up for either method, but I wouldn’t mind having a specific amount of pages/chapters to read each day - mostly to motivate me and keep me reading throughout the long book!

[Alanna]

I just popped in to change my notification settings, but I wanted to say that y'all are in for an excellent time!

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Victoria wrote: "Glad we have a few others joining!

I’m up for either method, but I wouldn’t mind having a specific amount of pages/chapters to read each day - mostly to motivate me and keep me reading throughout..."

Okay, I will take a look at my edition tomorrow and see how we can break it down.

[[deleted user]]

Are any of you also participating in Tower Teams VI?

[Victoria]

My edition is currently buried in a storage unit so I’m going to have to get ahold of another

And yes, we’re doing TTVI!!!! (At least I think we all are...) I’m on Team Sprout!

[[deleted user]]

Oh great, thanks!!!

[Victoria]

I started this yesterday :) I thought I'd get a short head start since I probably won't get a chance to read it once quidditch starts later this week.

Decided to listen to the audio, but also picked up a free paperback incase all the footnotes begin to confuse me

[[deleted user]]

I just read chapter 1 to get a taste of what to expect, and I’m loving it! It’s very easy to read, and the footnotes are interesting. Reminds me of the footnotes in Nevernight.

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Im going to haave a late start. I am still bringing down my currently reading books. I didnt anticipate June to be so busy and now I have quite a few BRs to finish!😂

[[deleted user]]

Kathleen wrote: "Im going to haave a late start. I am still bringing down my currently reading books. I didnt anticipate June to be so busy and now I have quite a few BRs to finish!😂"

I know what you mean! I am trying to get caught up on buddy reads before Quidditch starts!

[[deleted user]]

I finished chapters 1-5. This world gives me the feel of A Darker Shade of Magic, but maybe it’s because they’re both about magicians in London. (view spoiler)[ I am eager to see Mr. Norrell do some more magic! I do wonder if the stone statues coming to life was some kind of trick because it was suspicious that he didn’t come in person. But that was a pretty spectacular trick if so. I’m very curious to see how he thinks he can help the government. (hide spoiler)] I plan on checking out the tv production of this book. Netflix has it!

[Victoria]

My other BR, that isn't a Kate Daniels re-read, is Sarum: The Novel of England. I had listened to nearly 60% of the 45hr long audio book before my library snatched it back.

Thought I'd switch to this one while I wait for another library loan and will try to listen to a lot today since there's no way I'll have time during quidditch! Hopefully I'll have Sarum back by the time quidditch ends and may end up switching between Sarum and this depending on my mood.

[Victoria]

Talia wrote: "I finished chapters 1-5. This world gives me the feel of A Darker Shade of Magic, but maybe it’s because they’re both about magicians in London. [spoilers removed] I plan on checkin..."

It had me thinking of Shades of Magic too! It's something about the setting and the way the world is described.

I just started ch. 9 and Mr. Norrell is quite the character. (view spoiler)[ he's a bit of an ass lol, but I like him as a character all the same. And some more magic will be coming up soon ;) (hide spoiler)]

I attempted to read this last year, but had to put it on hold cause I couldn't handle it along with my various reading challenges. I think I manged 200-300/1000 pages before dropping it. So far everything is vaguely familiar but it seems I don't remember a lot of the details - my poor memory certainly makes re-reads more exciting :)

[Victoria]

I love how this is written as an English history which includes magic in such a matter-of-fact way

[Lexi]

Late to join but starting today

[Deanna]

Late joining here as well from Team Flitwick. Starting later today.

[Deanna]

Talia wrote: "I finished chapters 1-5. This world gives me the feel of A Darker Shade of Magic, but maybe it’s because they’re both about magicians in London. [spoilers removed] I plan on checkin..."

I haven't read A Darker Shade of Magic yet, though I did put it on hold yesterday after enjoying Vicious. I reminds me a bit of the Peter Grant series in the amount of study that seems to be required of a magician. I''m interested to find out tomorrow how his offer of help is met by the government. The Peter Grant series had several stories of Nightengale's time in, I think it was World War II. My favorite being the time he took on a tank with his magic.

[Deanna]

Thought on chapters 1 - 5

Mr. Norrell - (view spoiler)[I finding him a bit contradictory in character at the moment. On the one hand, he forces the agreement with the magicians society of York, so that they are forbidden to study magic. He buys all the books from the store, so Mr. Segundus cannot purchased them to study. The author hints that he has done this in the past as well. On the other hand, he claims that he wants to bring magic back into the world. To me that would imply teaching other magicians, but he seems to be only interested in performing the magic himself. (hide spoiler)]

The Black King and the Raven King - (view spoiler)[I thought it was interesting that neither of these magicians seemed to age. I wonder if that is merely folklore or if it's real. Certainly if Norrell was one of these, he must be the Black King. (hide spoiler)]

Mr. Segundus - (view spoiler)[I loved his description of Norrell's house, and his loss of a sense of direction in going to the library. It was interesting that he could not recall any of the events of the visit or what he had seen later on. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

I have finished Chapter 5.
(view spoiler)[ So far, I assume Johnathan Strange is the narrator. He showed up for the first time in a footnote as being mentioned as Mr. Norrell's student. Mr. Norell is very disagreeable so far and the book is a bit dry. Also, the book is very male. There are no women who have any part to play so far. I hope that changes. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Lexi wrote: "I have finished Chapter 5.
[spoilers removed]"

Good point about the lack of prominent female characters!

[[deleted user]]

Deanna wrote: "Thought on chapters 1 - 5

Mr. Norrell - [spoilers removed]

The Black King and the Raven King - [spoilers removed]

Mr. Segundus - [spoilers removed]"

I agree about Mr. Norrell's slightly contradictory nature. (view spoiler)[Does he want to spread/promote magic in the world or just hoard it for himself? And can he really do magic or was that performance with the statues done by someone else? If he can do magic, why doesn't he do any at all of these parties he's being taken to? (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

I just made it to Part 2. I have made it by train book so I have no choice but to read it, as I am still finding it somewhat tedious. I like Mr. Strange but Mr. Norrell really gets on my nerves.
(view spoiler)[ He is very clear in how selfish he is and how much he wants his own way. He told no one what he did to the poor young woman and there went the only possible female character so far. Dismissed as sitting in a chair and hollow. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Finished chapters 6 - 12 today.

Miss Wintertowne - (view spoiler)[Mr. Norrell seemed completely out of his element on this one. He summoned without first considering what he would trade. I'm a bit wary that the whole thing may end up working poorly for the young woman in the long run. (hide spoiler)]

The blockade - (view spoiler)[This bit of magic was far more entertaining and useful. I particularly liked the results: "In London the Ministers were quite astonished to find that, for once, they had done something the Nation approved." (hide spoiler)]

Drawlight and Lascelles - (view spoiler)[I keep waiting for these two to blunder either by offending Norrell or by promising something that he cannot deliver. I'm not sure what I think of the publication. It is disappointing that Norrell has shown no inteest in teaching anyone as yet. (hide spoiler)]

I hope to get at least to part two tomorrow.

[[deleted user]]

Finished chapters 6-10. (view spoiler)[Finally we see Nr. Norrell do some real magic! I was starting to doubt his abilities after going to all those parties and doing nothing. It will be interesting to see if the government finds some way to enlist his help. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Finished chapters 11-15.

Magic - (view spoiler)[I love those ships Mr. Norrell made out of rain! I need to start watching the miniseries now because I want to see that! The mermaid that he brought to life was funny as well. There seem to be unintended consequences of Norrell’s magic. (hide spoiler)]

Lady Pole - (view spoiler)[ I’m nervous about Mrs. Pole and the fairy guy who has a claim on her. I saw someone who read this before guesses that the fairy was taking Lady Pole’s nights as his half of her life, and I think that’s probably true. (hide spoiler)]

Jonathan Strange - (view spoiler)[We finally meet Jonathan Strange! His father was quite a jerk and his cruelty to that servant backfired on him. But that scene with the servant looking through Jonathan’s stuff for the sherry-wine would be hilarious to see, with Jonathan just staring at him in shock. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Deanna wrote: "Finished chapters 6 - 12 today.

Miss Wintertowne - [spoilers removed]

The blockade - [spoilers removed]

Drawlight and Lascelles - [spoilers removed]

I hope to get at least to part two tomorrow."


I can’t decide what to think about Drawlight and Lascelles. (view spoiler)[They seem so manipulative but they are actually helping Mr. Norrell navigate London society. Hmm, the jury’s still out on those two. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Finished part one, so chapters 16 - 22

I have to confess the book is a bit slower than expected, which is not helped by the print style and spacing of my particular copy. Since the ships there has not been anything terribly exciting, but I'm hopeful that part 2 with more Mr. Strange will be better and will try to be more consistent in reading and posting.

Strange - (view spoiler)[He seems a bit aimless at the moment other than wanting Arabella. Perhaps she can help him get a bit more settled. (hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Pole and the butler - (view spoiler)[Clearly Mr. Norrell made some serious mistakes in the summoning of the fae. I don't understand why no one has tried to help yet. Surely in historic London someone knows about using iron against a fae enchantment. It should at least help the poor butler. (hide spoiler)]

Vinculus - (view spoiler)[A bit of a charlatan and a bit of actual talent. I'm curious about his book and the prophecy in it. Although I have to agree with Strange that neither prophesied magician sounds particularly appealing to be. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Finished Volume I, through chapter 22. I agree, this is taking a while to get through, but every chapter is interesting after I wade through it. I started watching the miniseries and I love it! Can’t wait to finish the book so I can watch the whole season.
(view spoiler)[
I am surprised how easily Strange did that spell to spy on his enemy who I assume is Mr. Norrell. He is a naturally gifted magician! So he should learn quickly if he can get access to some books or someone to learn from. I too am curious on how Vinculus’s prophecy will play out. And I feel sorry for Lady Pole and Stephen Black and anyone else who gets caught up in that fairy man’s web. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Started part two today and read through chapter 27...

Strange - (view spoiler)[He seems much more personable than Norrell. I am glad to see he hasn't gotten bored with magic, and his wife definitely seems to be a good influence on him. He seems to be more practical than Norrell as well with a head for solving problems. I dare say with Strange's ideas and Norrell's magical knowledge combined, the English government will find !agic much more useful. (hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Pole and Stephen - (view spoiler)[I feel so sorry for them both. They can't even manage to explain their problem in order to ask for help. I wish Mrs. Strange had spoken to her husband about it. He might have at least realized Mrs. Pole was under an enchantment. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I just finished chapter 24 and I am wondering (view spoiler)[ did they not print more than one copy of a book during this time? That’s crazy! Or does Norrell buy all copies of magic books and burn the duplicates? But I am glad that he agreed to take on Strange as a pupil. It will be interesting to see what kind of magic they can do together. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Talia wrote: "I just finished chapter 24 and I am wondering [spoilers removed]"

My guess is that the books are old and therefore rare. I think Norrell (view spoiler)[does buy all of the copies, whether he burns the duplicates or just stores them away in that country house I'm not sure. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

I am at Chapter 42 and while it does pick up, I still can only read a bit at a time.

(view spoiler)[ Unsurprisingly, Strange and Norrell have split. The war parts were interesting, especially to see Strange's change. I really wish someone would solve the fairy problem already. Strange seems not to understand what they are and Norrell is duplicitous. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

I only made it to chapter 31 today...

Norrell - (view spoiler)[I hope someone buys at least one of those books out from under him. His hoarding is despicable. I did like the way Strange managed to maneuver him into letting go of 40 books. (hide spoiler)]

Strange at the war - (view spoiler)[I think this has been my favorite part of the book so far. I loved that he had to take time to learn about the soldiers before he finally discovered a way to help. The roads were nice although I surprised that they didn't have more trouble coordinating all the different units given the communications limitations. I thought it was kind of funny that he had to promise to put everything back at the end of the war after moving the river. The necromancy spell may have gotten useful information, but I hope he learned not to try something like that again. (hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Strange - (view spoiler)[I'm a bit worried about all the attention the fae is paying to her. It's like Norrell's bargain set him free to do whatever he wishes. I'm not sure Strange knows enough about fae to recognize the problem. Norrell keeps so many secrets and talks so openly against using fae or fairies that I'm afraid he hasn't given Strange any books about them to study yet. (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Sorry I haven't been chatting!

I've been listening to this off and on, but haven't had a chance to really sit down to discuss it. But, I'm somewhere in Ch. 36 (i think), which is a lot further than I realized

I'm really enjoying it so far and don't mind that it's not exactly fast paced

[Victoria]

Deanna wrote: "I only made it to chapter 31 today...

Norrell - [spoilers removed]

Strange at the war - [spoilers removed]

Mrs. Strange - [spoilers removed]"

Strange at war was also my favorite part so far (view spoiler)[ I liked seeing him outside of Norrell's shadow/control and being able to really experiment with magic

I'm also really enjoying Mrs. Strange's character, but wish their was a bit more of her. Also curious about her interactions with the Far (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Norrell's relationship with Strange (view spoiler)[ I find Norrell's relationship with Strange to be very interesting. On one hand Norrell likes him a lot and loves having another practical magician to work/mentor. On the other hand, he still refuses to share all his knowledge and books and continually denies and manipulates Strange's education. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Victoria wrote: "Norrell's relationship with Strange [spoilers removed]"

It seems to me (view spoiler)[Norrell loves having someone to converse with magic about, and I think he recognizes how helpful Strange has been with working in conjunction with the government. As long as Strange is his student, I think Norrell will be happy. I expect there will be a falling out when Strange finally decides to assert his independence. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

I am at 84% and the book didn't really start to pick up until over two thirds done. I think the first bit could have used a editor. (view spoiler)[ I guess when the original prophecy was said that Arabella was going to be taken but was surprised it took this long to happen. I am interested to see how Strange's madness takes its course. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

I am done. Really, this could have been a lovely 400 page book. Add 100 pages of into to the last two thirds. (view spoiler)[ The ending was fitting and Strange and Norrell really were more interested in magic than people. Strange was always ignoring his wife so unsurprising that didn't change. Stephen was the only one given agency as none of the women were. I did like that Stephen was the one to actually defeat the Fey. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

I made it to chapter 40 today.

Drawlight - (view spoiler)[I am not surprised that he was trying to swindle people out of money by pretending to be Mr. Strange. I am glad that he is no longer part of the group because he seemed to do nothing but try to cause dissension. (hide spoiler)]

The Quarrel - (view spoiler)[I think Norrell was wrong to withhold so much information, and Strange was wrong to refuse the partnership offered. I hope Strange doesn't try to learn from fairies instead. (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Deanna wrote: "I made it to chapter 40 today.

Drawlight - [spoilers removed]

The Quarrel - [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
Drawlight - I agree about him, I wasn't too surprised he was swindling people - just surprised he thought he could get away with it!

And I don't see how Norrell thought Strange would stay with him when he was withholding so much! (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

I'm currently in chapter 50 something... I've been listening to it most days in the car, but keep forgetting to comment on it.

A lots been happening in the story that I want to comment on, but too tired at the moment to think of what they are - the problem with listening to a book when you drive is that you can never make a comment write after something takes place.

I will say though that Norrell just keeps getting worse, he's so selfish!

And things have gotten pretty exciting in the story and I am really enjoying it.

[Victoria]

Lexi wrote: "I am done. Really, this could have been a lovely 400 page book. Add 100 pages of into to the last two thirds. [spoilers removed]"

I'm inching towards the end and, surprisingly, not finding it to be too long and quite enjoying the pace, but I think that has a lot to do with me listening to it - it always feels like it's going a lot faster when I listen v read.

And I really want to read your spoilers, but I'm being good and waiting till I finish the book.

[Lexi]

Victoria wrote: "Lexi wrote: "I am done. Really, this could have been a lovely 400 page book. Add 100 pages of into to the last two thirds. [spoilers removed]"

I'm inching towards the end and, surprisingly, not fi..."

That could make a difference. Glad you are enjoying it and I look forward to your comments.

[Deanna]

Through chapter 49:

Strange - (view spoiler)[There were some interesting bits of magic when he went to Belgium. He seems to have lost part of himself with Arabella gone. I honestly want to shove him in a room with Norrell and make them talk about Mrs. Pole and the fairy so they can finally see what is happening. (hide spoiler)]

Stephen - (view spoiler)[I'm beginning to wonder if the fae is bespelling him to keep him from gaining the faerie throne. I wish he could find some way of explaining what is wrong. (hide spoiler)]

Norrell - (view spoiler)[Seems to be quite miserable without Strange and yet just as egotistical as ever. The story would have a very different plot if he didn't keep so many secrets. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Lexi wrote: "I am at 84% and the book didn't really start to pick up until over two thirds done. I think the first bit could have used a editor. [spoilers removed]"

I agree that Strange is becoming a more interesting character now.

[Lexi]

Deanna wrote: "Through chapter 49:

Strange - [spoilers removed]

Stephen - [spoilers removed]

Norrell - [spoilers removed]"

Communication issues seems the be the main plot of many, many books.

[Deanna]

Finished!

Norrell and Strange - (view spoiler)[I'm glad at least that they ended up together in the enchantment. Norrell was miserable alone, and Strange still needed some guidance to keep him on the straight and narrow. (hide spoiler)]

Stephen - (view spoiler)[As much as he suffered in Faerie perhaps it is fitting that he be in charge now. (hide spoiler)]

Arabella - (view spoiler)[I'm glad she is free and taken care of even if she cannot be with her husband. (hide spoiler)]