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As long as we're using "best" in air quotes, I'll throw in a suggestion for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It's victorian-era alternate rea
by bityard 2y ago
As long as we're using "best" in air quotes, I'll throw in a suggestion for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It's victorian-era alternate reality fantasy. Which is something I never would have imagined liking.
Yes, it borrows a LOT from existing stories. To the point that it's nearly a pastiche. But it is incredibly well done and you appreciate it more when you learn that it was the author's first novel. I recommend skipping all of the footnotes on the first read through and saving them for the second read, if you go back for more.
- edanm 2y agoA wonderful, wonderful book. Highly recommended. > Yes, it borrows a LOT from existing stories. Honestly, I don't connect to this - this book has such a unique voice, so unlike most fantasy. And the plot is so different from the typical Tolkien-esque fantasy you normally find.
- ZeroGravitas 2y agoI was going to recommend it for the footnotes. Anyone who makes up a fake history for a book then adds footnotes arguing for a different interpretation of that fake history really tickles me. Really enjoyed Piranesi by the same author too. Reminded me of some of the odder parts of Iain Banks catalogue.