regshoe

Yay for Yuletide fics being mostly done! I hope all the panic is over by now! *hugs+high fives*

I can't remember if I've said this before, but just in case: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is the best book ever and I love it a lot.

And it can't be said enough times! <3

You're so right in that you can enjoy and appreciate it, no matter how many times you've read it... there is always something new to discover, a different character to focus on, a footnote to think of... etc. etc. etc., it really is the best! :D

Also, definitely--the book obscures its real point, and that's one of the reasons why it's so interesting: is it about these two magicians? is it about the raven King? Is it about magic itself? I like how the parts make up the whole, and everything leads us to The Point, which is magic, like you said, and yet there is always going to be something that escapes us, something whispering in the margins and the shadows--even when things become more clear, there is some mystery remaining, and I love that!!! I love how accepting that mystery is accepting the magic and how it may appear... (in that sense, it's very Piranesi-ish--you don't have to control/study/understand it, you just have to accept it, and it will talk to you! <3)

And yes, all that class stuff is uncomfortable, I agree! But in a way, it also makes the story feel realistic (there may be magic in this world, but people are still assholes towards lower classes...) and also it makes the ending better, because those lower class people are the ones who save the day (along with women, and they all get a new, much deserved agency). Like you say, we are told that this story is about two gentlemen, but what whispers in the margins is definitely something/someone else!

The narrator is one of my favourite parts, because you can totally see her perspective and personality,it's such an unique (and at times funny!) voice. Do you have any theories about who she is? Sometimes I like to think she is Flora Greysteel, or Miss Redruth... although perhaps a mysterious, unnamed narrator is better for such a book!

And yes to all the historical research! I am also in awe of all the work she must have done. (Also, a JS&MN+Mr Rowl crossover would be a thing of beauty!)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about it!!