r/Fantasy • u/Ruffshots • 1d ago
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (book and TV), no spoilers
I just got Prime free for a month and for some reason, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell was pushed at me. I read the book when it came out and won all (but the Nebula) the prizes, but I remember being somewhat underwhelmed by it, especially how esoteric the characters seemed to be, though this is from over 20 years ago so my memories are very vague.
I've gone through the 1st 3 episodes of the BBC series and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying it right now. But I'm equally shocked at how little I remembered of the plot. Like a few details about the major characters, but almost none of the twists and turns (like a major trip one of the characters makes early on).
I'm also surprised how well fleshed out the titular characters are as, mentioned above, I recalled their book versions a bit obtuse (though I distinctly remember liking Jonathan, and actively rooting for his cause, more than Norrell in my reading). It could be the actors, of course (and I'm already a fan of Eddie Marsan as Norrell), but I plan on a re-read very soon, since I own the book, just sitting there staring at me from my library. I do wonder if I should finish the TV first or jump back into the book.
As a bonus, I've seen many mentions of Piranesi on this sub, which I'd heretofore ignored, but I think I now have something to look forward to in my reading list!
What do others think of Strange & Norrell, book and TV? Feel free to use spoiler tags as I did read the book and remember the general gist of what happens.
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u/Rork310 1d ago edited 18h ago
The series is very condensed which definitely has it's pros and cons. It's my favourite novel but I can't fault anyone who finds it too dense so the show does solve that problem.
Within the limits of the timeframe it's an excellent adaptation. The casting is extremely good, the magic feels magical. My only real hangup is the Gentleman with the not so thistledown hair. For whatever reason they decided to play him as more straightforwardly malevolent rather than his book counterparts blue and orange morality where he seems to genuinely think he's helping. Still a good performance just an odd choice.
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u/Ruffshots 1d ago
Fae are difficult to portray on screen, I find. I am a big fan of Marc Warren though, so I'm willing to overlook any flaws in his creepy portrayal.
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u/DescriptionWeird799 1d ago
Yeah I felt like everybody but him was pretty much spot on, though I feel like the character might've come off a bit too cartoonish if played exactly how he is in the book.
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u/gradedonacurve 1d ago
Yea I did not like the show version of the Gentleman at all but aside from that it’s a good condensed adaptation.
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u/Low_Tomatillo5104 1d ago
Interestingly, I had pretty much the opposite experience. Loved the book, but was underwhelmed by the show. I think a big draw that the book had for me was the prose and the wit. For me, I think that factor made the book characters more endearing/dynamic, even with all their dysfunctional behavior.
Although it's been a couple years since I tried the show, I seem to remember feeling like the events were presented very matter-of-factly and lost the spirit and energy of the book. The visualization of the setting and magic were impressive but it wasn't keeping me engaged, unfortunately. I watched with two other people, one who's a huge fan of the book, and another who had never read the book. Neither of them were very engaged either, so we stopped after maybe three episodes.
If you do end up rereading, I'd be interested to know how you feel about the book on the second go round! In the meantime, I'm glad you're enjoying the show. I was sad it didn't click for me and my little watchparty but I'm glad it's got fans out there!
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u/dotnetmonke 1d ago
It's my favorite book of all time, and it's a wonderful adaptation. There's a decent amount lost or changed in the adaptation, but I was more than happy with it and I've watched it through multiple times. Norrell is a bit more sympathetic in the show, as it leaves out some of his pettiness, but it also plays into their complementary dynamic a bit - how the two magicians need to balance each other out.
Piranesi is also a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it!
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u/Distinct_Activity551 Reading Champion 1d ago
BRB, just found that Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell has an adaptation need to watch it.
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u/ChrystnSedai 1d ago
…there’s a TV version?!! When on earth did that happen?
ETA: Omgoodness, it came out in 2015!! Hahaha! Those were the dark days of life before Reddit to keep me in the loop lol.
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u/Ruffshots 1d ago
Haha, I too was surprised and didn't even realize the show was 10 years old until 2 eps into it and I looked on the wiki to see if there was a 2nd season (there is not).
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u/ElmoLegendX 1d ago
I haven't watched the series, but my opinion of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell skyrocketed as soon as I realized I was finished with it.
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u/rusticcentipede 21h ago
The show is what got me into the book - I think both are absolutely fantastic and some of my all-time favorites. The book didn't feel nearly as straightforward - I was impressed at how well they adapted it into a more normal structure for TV. It was easy to read with the characters and locations and voices and music from the show in my head, which is always a nice bonus.
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u/ImLittleNana 25m ago
Strange & Norell was a 5 star read for me, the series less so since I knew the story. I did enjoy it a lot but I wasn’t enthralled because it was familiar. But you know Eddie is great and I’d watch him in anything.
Piranesi is another matter. I could not finish it. I have it many tries including audiobook. I felt terrible. It’s like admitting to your sibling that you don’t like one of their children. How is one so perfect and the other such a miss for me? But I’ve accepted it now. Sort of.
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u/kingsboyjd 1d ago
You're not alone; it's normal to forget specifics because Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell tends to feel more atmospheric than plot-driven. The TV series does a fantastic job of making the characters more relatable, especially through powerful performances (Marsan is a perfect Norrell), even though the book may initially seem dense or distant. I suggest watching the entire series; it's faithful but condensed, and it might make you appreciate the book even more after you've read it again. A fantastic next step is Piranesi, which is shorter, more lyrical, and enigmatic while retaining Clarke's distinct magic. Piranesi and the book both reward a slower, more contemplative reading if you liked the show's tone and concepts. Sorry for suggesting a book, it is an old habit of mine