My way to judge books is usually how it made me feel while reading it or if there was a twist or several quotes I loved. This one fits in the one I don’t care about the quotes or the twists or ending, I just loved living in it.

One of my all-time favorites. I adore Susana Clarke’s writing and I wish that she had more books (but I understand she has been suffering poor health for the last few years and that’s why it took so long for her to write Piranesi). I love that it spans 10 years and creates so much atmosphere. But I think you’re right, it is for a specific type of reader. I have actually written a song from Arabella’s perspective, but since not many people have heard of this book I explain to them “Imagine if Jane Austen had written Harry Potter” 😅 that’s the simplest way I can describe Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!

I own this and have been wanting to read it. I stopped watching when you announced spoilers, but so far I like what I’m hearing. Going to bump it up my TBR. 🎉

Susanna Clarke also wrote a number of short stories set in the same world as Jonathan Strange, collected in 'The Ladies of Grace Adieu: and Other Stories'

It’s smart to recommend it to that ven diagram. I liked it! Didn’t love it, but it’s a feat to keep me going for that long anyhow. I probably liked the show more.

I felt almost exactly the same as you. I ended up loving the book and the ending, but it took tooooo long to get there. I was so frustrated that it took them so long to figure it out. Your description of the writing style was spot on.

It’s so wonderful to see this review while I was reading Piranesi. Such a beautiful coincidence!

this book has been at my local thrift shop for about a year. untouched! it has always intrigued me. i am unsure if this review made me want to read it more or less haha. it seems like a book i would need to be in the mood for.

I definitely felt the same way about the Gentleman, it did give me Stockholm Syndrome vibes. I'm curious if he was in love with Stephen? Also, I wished the book described more if Lady Pole succeeded in reporting her experiences. I would love to hear your opinions on the ending of the books because the ending felt like a cliffhanger!

Finally, someone tells me what this book is ABOUT! I've had my eye on it since it first came out. I like the challenge of big books, especially ones that can take me into another world/time and I can live there a while. But yegads, this one intimidated even me. And from what you said, I don't think this book is for me.

I absolutely love this book. It is one of my very favorites. I have read it 3-4 times now. Those footnotes were so amazing! I was rather disappointed with Piranesi. I didn't enjoy it but I still love Jonathan Strange.

Hi, I don't like fantasy or classics, but I liked this book a lot. Don't know why I read it tho. Maybe I'm stupid?

Great review 👍 I've been considering checking out Susanna Clarke. Have you read any of her other works?

I've tried reading this one and Piranesi and DNFd both books. I just don't like her writing. I think this will be an unpopular opinion!

I liked this book overall! 👍🏻