Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Finally finished reading this three-part series that I got for my birthday. It's definately not something I would have picked up on my own. My first impression of it while I was reading the first few pages was that it was tediously stiff and boring. Thankfully, my inclination to read anything and everything urged me to press on. Soon I was immersed in the mesmerising story, narrated in a charmingly old-fashioned manner, complete with little footnotes and occasional period spellings.

Set in the early 19th century, Susanna Clarke's ingenious debut novel is the story of two extraodinary English magicians who attempt to revive practical magic in the entirely theoratical world of magic of their time.

Edit: Public apologies to Mark! Initially misremembered that it was Tangy and co. who gave this to me. Thanks Mark.. I loved the book! Don't angry with me bah.. :(