What an absolute beast of a book. 

Emulating the writing styles of the likes of Dickens, Austen, and Wilde to an astonishing degree, Clarke takes the reader on an alternative history journey of garganguan proportions. Spanning years, the narrative unfolds around the titular magicians, Johnathan Strange and Gilbert Norrell, in their attempts to bring magic back to England, as well as many other characters affected by said attempts. I found myself swept along by the story, and enjoyed it greatly despite its length. 

I want to compare this book to Les Miserables, a narrative that also spans years, switching between multiple characters (some - allegorical, some - very sympathetic, others - not at all) and weaving their stories together in one convoluted tapestry. It's compelling, it's epic, and I couldn't put it down. Between the footnotes and the storyline itself, Clarke has created an immersive, real-feeling alternative England, whose fictional heart pulses with life and centuries of dormant magic. Norrell and Strange are both awful people, and yet I'm absolutely here for them.

Also Childermass deserves better, smh.