Back in 2004, darlings, before I was even writing this blog, the novel above was the literary sensation of the season. And you know how much I love my literary sensations. People hailed it as a masterwork of literature. I can recall reading it during that Summer--some of it sitting by my father's pool in Florida. To this day, I don't see what all the hype was about, and it really did not make any kind of an impression on me.
Now, just last week, "The New York Times" did an article on Susanna Clarke, whom I had thought had gone on to be a one book wonder. When 'Jonathan Strange' came out, she hinted at it being the beginning of a forthcoming trilogy, and I waited, and waited. No show. Until in 2006, she published "Piranesi," a novel as short as her previous one was long. It never made a blip on my literary radar--till now.
According to what I understood from reading the article, after her gigantic debut novel became the hit she never expected, Clarke went into a deep depression, feeling she could not write anymore. I think she was depressed because her novel was SO successful, she felt nothing she did could top it. A not uncommon feeling among authors whose works soar into the unexpected stratosphere.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of "Jonathan Strange And Mr. Norvell." There are people out there who love this book. So, whether you do or don't, let me know if it is worth investing my time in this giant effort. One thing intrigues me is how it is compared to writers like Dickens and Austen. Now, I have a better grasp on 19th Century writers than I did in 2004, so maybe, just maybe, that will make me fall in love with this book. I feel like I am missing out on something.
So, tell me, girls! What do you think??????????????
In my opinion? Not worth a re-read.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the shorter Piranesi.
Most over-hyped things don’t live up to expectations, in my experience.
Victoria, I never read "Piranesi." Maybe I will give that a try. I don't get why
ReplyDeleteso many people are crazy for this gigantic book.