Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Centuries ago, when magic still existed in England, the greatest magician of them all was the Raven King. A human child brought up by fairies, the Raven King blended fairy wisdom and human reason to create English magic. Now, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, he is barely more than a legend, and England, with its mad King and its dashing poets, no longer believes in practical magic.

Then the reclusive Mr Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey appears and causes the statues of York Cathedral to speak and move. News spreads of the return of magic to England and, persuaded that he must help the government in the war against Napoleon, Mr Norrell goes to London. There he meets a brilliant young magician and takes him as a pupil. Jonathan Strange is charming, rich and arrogant. Together, they dazzle the country with their feats.

A fascinating story but I could not read it. About half way through the story I just gave up. It has pages and pages of footnotes and the storyline has many threads. I gave it another chance when I listened to it on tape. What a difference. It was delightful for me this way. I could sit back and enjoy being read to and not try to figure out how the footnotes worked. So I would recommened listening to the book rather than trying to read it.