Although too simplistic by far, this is the basic premise for Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Susanna Clarke’s debut novel, which has been ten years in the making. It isn’t, however, her first foray into writing. Although Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is her most acclaimed work to date, she has written several short stories (the latest being the collection The Ladies of Grace Adieu) and novellas, one of which brought her to the attention of Neil Gaiman — the publication of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell has led him to praise it as the ‘finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last seventy years’.

What has made Susanna Clarke’s achievement especially notable is her success in reaching out to an audience not typically known for reading fantasy books, and as a result Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in particular has often been called the ‘next Harry Potter’. Her works, despite involving the fantastical, are also firmly grounded in historical research, and it tells in the details. Her writing style is sharp and observant, although it also masks an undertone of amusement in a narrator who’s anonymous yet seems infinitely authoritative and knowing. She writes with wit and detail which has been variously described as being a mix of Jane Austen and Patrick O’Brian with elements of J. R. R. Tolkien — a description which is perhaps unfair to Clarke, as the style is distinctively hers. However, she counts them amongst her influences, the first being one of her favourite authors, as well as C.S. Lewis (‘authoritative, but matter-of-fact and gently ironic’), and Ursula LeGuin for ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’.

Her writing style also lends itself to fantastic worldbuilding. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is (in)famous for its plethora of footnotes, some of which run for a few pages. In them are found various diversions and sidelines to the main plot, written with the air of a garrulous scholar. Her works are not neglectful of detail, and will often take the time to paint a scene in mind at the expense of moving quickly on. Words are used liberally yet thoughtfully, not to be devoured by the reader as quickly as possible, but to be savoured and dwelt upon. There is a depth in her lengthier works, most notably in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which demands thoughtful consideration.

Susanna Clarke has experienced great success with her debut novel, which is now being adapted for film by New Line Cinema. It remains to be seen if her later works will live up to heightened expectations. However, Susanna Clarke is an author with much potential, and for this she is ‘Author of the Month’.

WORKS BY SUSANNA CLARKE

The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories (2006)
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2004)

SHORT STORIES
‘Antickes and Frets’ (31 October 2004).

‘Tom Brightwind, or How the Fairy Bridge was Built at Thoresby’ (2001)

‘Mr Simonelli, or the Fairy Widower’ (2000)

‘The Duke of Wellington Misplaces His Horse’ (1999)

‘Mrs Mabb’ (1998)

‘On Lickerish Hill’ (1997)

‘Stopp’t-Clock Yard’ (1996)

‘The Ladies of Grace Adieu’ (1996)