Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

I was mesmerized by, and highly enjoyed, the snarky quality of Strange and Norell. Totally believable characters are developed within the context of an "alternate history" whereby magic, long dormant in England resurfaces in time to the first Napoleonic war. In this way, magic meets becomes tested in the "Sense and Sensibility" of that era.

The dialog and acting lends credibility to what would be unbelievable as we are challenged to think of magic in the gentile society of a previous era.

"This is most frustrating, I am of the opinion that a Gentlemen's dreams are of his own concern!"

"We should do all our power in time of war to make sure that English magic remains respectable."

"Mr. Honeyfoot, to think this house was built with stones from the Raven King himself."

Folks looking for "Harry Potter" won't find anything here, and they will think that Strange and Norrell is just too confusing!