Magic has been absent from England - and, indeed, the world - for centuries. The ways of magic are forgotten, and all that lingers are the memories and stories of the great magicians of the past. And the greatest of these was John Uskglass, the Raven King.
Now the only magicians left are theoretical, more historians than anything else - except for one, England's first practical magician in 200 years: Mr. Norrell. Norrell longs to revive English magic and aid Britain in the war against Napoleon, but he's secretive, hiding away books of magic from the world and deeply rooted in the rightness of his own opinions. When he speaks about magic, he bores his listeners and can't garner the support he needs.
Jonathan Strange needed a profession to secure the heart of the woman he loved. He had tried almost everything - except magic. Based on a prophecy and a whim, Strange becomes a practicing magician. His raw talent is a match for Norrell's carefully cultivated book-learning. When Norrell offers to take Strange on as apprentice and provide him with access to his vast collection of books on magic, Strange accepts. But he disagrees with many of Norrell's methods and opinions, especially those regarding the Raven King, and soon, a promising partnership becomes something darker.
In "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell," author Susanna Clarke crafts an alternate version of history, one where magic has influenced and shaped events from the beginning. Her world feels real and believable, despite the fantastic elements that comprise it. It's part fantasy, part mystery and part character study. Clarke develops vivid and compelling personalities in Strange and Norrell, as well as more minor players. The story begins slowly, but curiosity pulls you in and events gather momentum as the two magicians struggle against each other - and themselves.
Together, Strange and Norrell are destined to return magic to England.
Katherine Gale is a clerk at Missouri River Regional Library.