I guess that makes me one of the remaining 10 people who have never read a Harry Potter book (or seen one of the movies). Then again, I never saw _Titanic_ either.
Mark Long | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 2:35 pm | #

Mark, I never saw that either. Never will.
priscilla | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 2:41 pm | #

I admit I haven't been particularly interested in this book before. Thanks for the wonderful review, I'm now apt to give it a second glance.

And, btw, I saw Titanic and read HP, and although I did like all HP, you're not missing all that much, frankly. They're okay and fun to pass the time (they're extremely likeable), but there are infinitely better books.
claire | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 2:58 pm | #

This book has been sitting on my shelves for about 4 years now, and I still have yet to make it past page 30 (I've attempted it several times, but I can never remember what's happened, so I have to start from the beginning and by page 30, I give up). I know I really need to just sit down and give it a proper shot, but the length definitely does intimidate me.
Steph | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 5:37 pm | #

Claire, I admit to being lazy. I'll probably just enjoy the HP movies.

I loved this book, though, and it's not my typical thing. It reads, to me, like an 18th or early 19th c. novel, though, so I think that's why I loved it.
priscilla | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 5:43 pm | #

Steph, I really didn't even notice the length once I got into the story. You don't really get into the meat of it until Norrell goes to London and resurrects Lady Pole, so if you can make it that far on your next attempt, I think you'll be pleased!
priscilla | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 5:45 pm | #

This is one of my favorite books of the past few years. I *loved* all of the detail and footnotes, etc. It made it feel somehow more authentic, which is remarkable given that it is a fantasy book.
Teresa | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 6:01 pm | #

Wow! Great review.

Thanks for participating in 9 for '09.

BTW, I haven't read any HP books and have seen only a couple of the movies.
Isabel | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 9:33 pm | #

Teresa, I agree completely. The footnotes and the way she ties in actual historical events made it seem very authentic.
priscilla | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 10:23 pm | #

Thanks Isabel! Okay, so we've identified three of the eleven people who haven't read the Harry Potter books: myself, Mark, and you. I am sure they are good reads, but what a commitment!
priscilla | Homepage | 02.25.09 - 10:25 pm | #