Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell 02: Chapters 5-10

[Stephanie]

Glynis wrote: "@Loretta - I didn't realise that; I was going on what we have read so far. I appreciate what you say about Dickens writing historical fiction and am aware of that :) I know others have mentioned th..."


it doesn't really to me either...it's too easy to understand and doesn't go on tangents about weather, or coats, or dogs... :D

[Loretta]

@ Glynis: well, yes, it is more tongue in cheek, and of course there are all te fantasy elements. But, this is the best emulation of the style I've ever read, as many authors go overboard wen they try to capture the cadence of the language.

[MichelleCH]

As others have said, it is really starting to pick up. I must say however at I am a bit disappointed with Mr. Norwell. He seems a bit dense and so easily manipulated by Drawlight and Lascelles. I wanted him to be stronger and perhaps turn the table on those two, but we shall see...Anxious to see the role Ms Wintertowne will play in the coming chapters.

[Becky]

I think in the first two sections it was the kind of rambling and bumbling about without an obvious plot, and the dryness of the narrative, that gave it a classic feel to me. It feels more like Wilkie Collins to me than Dickens. I definitly feel the author is trying to imitate the style of writing from around that period. It does still have a modern flair though, its very tongue in cheek and self-deprecating, which wasn't a tool normally used in classic English works.

[Catherine]

Mercedes wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Mercedes wrote: "Ok so I may have been a bit bad and skipped ahead but don't worry I won't tell you guys anything!

My thoughts are that I love the feel of this book in general. ..."

Yes!! Definitely read Mists of Avalon! =). I liked it more than Game of Thrones and it was a great spin on the Arthurian legend.

[Loretta]

Mists of Avalon is a classic of the genre for a reason. It's truly an amazing book. I read it about 8 or 9 years ago, and I'm almost afraid to revisit it because I loved it so very much the first time. Like, I'm afraid that if I don't love it as much the second time, the illusion will be shattered.

[Juliette]

Loretta wrote: "Mists of Avalon is a classic of the genre for a reason. It's truly an amazing book. I read it about 8 or 9 years ago, and I'm almost afraid to revisit it because I loved it so very much the first t..."

I agree.

[Glynis]

Becky wrote: "I think in the first two sections it was the kind of rambling and bumbling about without an obvious plot, and the dryness of the narrative, that gave it a classic feel to me. It feels more like Wil..."

Becky - you've hit the nail on the head for me, especially what you said about the self-deprecating tone. I agree. Totally loving this book! :)

[Izzy]

I am curious about the deal the fairy made as he didn't clarify which half of her life he would take. Maybe he takes the first younger years or all the time she is asleep and takes her into the fairy world. I feel that Mr Norrell hadn't dealt much with fairies and was rather naive. Hope we find out what the deal is. Glas i persevered with the book quite engrossed now and catching up .

[Lisa]

Okay, still behind, but have finished the second section. If only I didn't have to work and could just read all day! Favorite quote from this section, referring to the resurrection of Miss Wintertowne: "...for she died upon the Tuesday, was raised to life in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and was married upon the Thursday; which some people thought was too much excitement for one week." Laughed out loud when I read that. I am absolutely loving this book.

[Zulfiya]

Lisa wrote: "Okay, still behind, but have finished the second section. If only I didn't have to work and could just read all day! Favorite quote from this section, referring to the resurrection of Miss Winterto..."

There are so many linguistic pearls in the book:-)

[Sam]

Speaking about linguistic pearls: Can someone please explain the unusual spellings of some words in the book (like "any one", "chuse", or "shew")? I'm not a native speaker. Is this meant to give the story an authentical early 19th century touch? That would be great.

[Becky]

I think its just to give it a quaint old-time feel.

[Loretta]

Iselin wrote: "Speaking about linguistic pearls: Can someone please explain the unusual spellings of some words in the book (like "any one", "chuse", or "shew")? I'm not a native speaker. Is this meant to give th..."

I believe it is.

Don't know if anyone else has had this experience, but I know that certain publishers will publish early 19th century novels (Austen, for example) with these unusual spellings and some "correct" them to modern English. I feel like I've read a version of Pride & Prejudice with those spellings intact, and another version where they were removed. I wonder why some editors make that choice....

LOL, as I'm largely listening to this on audiobook (and just check the print to help me keep character names and descriptions straight), I wouldn't have known this!

[Sam]

Thanks, Loretta.

Still, I'm wondering if there are no philologists in this group? Must I google it myself to be sure? ;-)

[Sera]

I'm almost through the chapters in week 3. I am really enjoying this book so far. It is very interesting and the pacing is good for a chunkster. I'm hoping to be fully caught up by the end of the week.

[Alana]

I'm listening to the audio so I didn't notice any odd spellings.

I found the finger ominous. I assume it's what the fairy claimed as his proof of ownership of her, since he said, "I Know!" right before we segued into the next scene, but it makes me wonder if his "half" is going to come as bits and pieces of her body over time. A finger here, a toe there, part of an ear.... *shudder*