I thought that Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell was really good. I’ve seen a few people mention that they couldn’t get into it, but I was hooked from page one. I especially liked the footnotes with explanations and side stories. Clarke has an amazing ability to build a very intricate world of politics with enchanting magic. I especially loved how each character played an important role in the eventual outcome of the novel.

At the end of the novel I was left with a feeling of fullness. I felt like everything made sense and I didn’t have a list of questions. The only thing I wondered was whether or not Lady Pole ever forgave the magicians (especially Strange) upon realizing that it wasn’t Strange’s fault for the events that she endured and it was ultimately their (Norrell and Strange) doings that helped her.

Also, who loved the outcome of Lascelles? I thought it was great!