Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

About seven years ago I had to work away from home for three weeks, so I needed a decent book to read. I decided on Susanna Clarke's massive, doorstop of a novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. It was recommended with a glowing review by Neil Gaiman and that was a good enough recommendation for me. At over a thousand pages I thought that it would keep me company for the entire three weeks and more. After ten days I needed to find another book. It was the first book in years that I had been totally engrossed in and also one which has stayed with me for much longer than the ten days it took me to read it. I have championed this book wherever I've lived and it is certainly one of the top five books I've ever read. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy literature, finding most of it turgid and unreadable, but because Susanna Clarke grounds her fantasy firmly in its own reality it was totally original and unique, like nothing I'd ever read before or since, and so when I heard that it was being adapted for television I was at first excited then worried that they would mess it up. After watching the first episode I can now say that not only did the BBC NOT mess it up but it exceeded my expectations. It was brilliantly designed, capturing the the flavour of the book's feel and it was superbly cast - Eddie Marsan is good in anything he's in, and he perfectly captures Norrell's isolationist magician. Bertie Carvel, who I've never heard of, was the flibbertigibbet Jonathan Strange I imagined from the book and Marc Warren was suitably sinister as the Gentleman with the Thistledown Hair. A great start to a series that is going to get weirder and weirder as it goes on, if it continues to follow the book. Marvellous.

It is very difficult to sum up of even describe Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell without it sounding lame, which it most certainly isn't. I was unsure what to expect from the title and few screen shots I had seen. There was no promotion for it at all in Australia, as it has yet to be screened here on terrestrial TV. I wasn't sure whether to expect a comedy, a drama, or fantasy. In the end I got all three in some measure, and more. Set in the early 1800's, magic is known of, but rarely practiced in England, that is until a long time practitioner Mr Norrell arrives on the scene to try and bring credibility to real magic. Jonathan strange emerges around the same time, as a newly fledged Magician, and the two inevitably meet. I'll give away no more of the story, but it is written in such away that makes the occurrence of actual magic in the early 19th century believable, as it is accepted as fact by the general public. The weaving of the story with historical events and excellent acting throughout just sucks in those viewers who are willing to suspend their belief and enjoy the ride. Highly recommended, but you have to accept the premise to fully enjoy.

After watching the first episode and wondering if the series was a little bit dry and a shade too dull for me, I had a feeling that it might just be taking it's time and laying a good foundation for what was to come, and I am so glad I stayed with it, because in episode two, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell starts to reveal just how deep and interesting the story is to become. By the end of the third episode I was beside myself with excitement to see the next one - so deeply drawn into it's weirdly wonderful atmosphere! The actors here are first class, and all of them really know how to 'sell' a scene! I don't think this amazing story could have come to life quite so well and in such completeness if it weren't for the commitment of these incredible actors to the material. I am amazed that TV can still knock my socks off once in a while! Well done to all involved, I can't wait to get the set! SO much love for this show.

Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell is a slightly glum, complex but ultimately intriguing drama about two magicians attempting to return magic to England. The plot itself is unpredictable with many compelling twists which result in massive impacts on each of the characters. Although, it can be rather confusing for me at times.

Speaking of the characters, they are superbly cast and believable. Bertie Carvel is excellent as the mysterious Jonathon Strange, Eddie Marsan fits the role of the reclusive Mr Norrell perfectly, and Marc Warren is exceptional as the malicious Gentleman. The other actors including Charlotte Riley, Alice Englert and Ariyon Bakare also give commendable performances.

The visuals are stunning and clearly the creators put a lot of money and effort into making them seem as realistic and jaw-dropping as possible. From the swarm of agitated ravens to the voluminous black tornado formed by Mr Strange himself, there is nothing to fault.

Overall, Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell is an exquisite series which I'm sure admirers of the book will adore. As for those individuals who have not read the book, (such as myself) this is a fresh, thrilling and mesmerising story which will capture the imagination of all ages.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is set in the early 1800s, in a universe where historical events somewhat match our own but with the added dimension of magic, real magic which once ran rampant in ancient England. The only problem in the 19th century English magic is very much dead, that is until Mr Norrell appears.

This kind of fantasy is a fusion old folk tales such as the Grim brothers or fairy folklore set in a beautiful period drama, I love it.

If you cannot grasp this concept perhaps the fantastical isn't for you and it pains me to see people calling it an adult Harry Potter (not that I have anything against HP), as it shows what an utter lack of understanding and knowledge some viewers have. I have rarely ever come across an adapted show or film that captured so much of the original book and carried out with such care to detail and casting. The actors are are all outstanding, the storyline slowly reels you in and it looks beautiful too. I cannot praise this show enough.