Side by side
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell vs Circe
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
63 positive (93%) · 3 mixed (4%) · 2 negative (3%)
Trust + time weighted: +90%
AI summary — not a quote
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is a highly acclaimed historical fantasy novel set in an alternate Regency England during the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows two magicians reintroducing magic to the country, and it is widely praised for its immersive world-building, dry humor, and period-accurate prose that mimics 19th-century literature.
Pros
- Exquisite, period-accurate prose and a convincing 'Regency' voice
- Deeply immersive world-building and alternate history
- Unique magic system that feels grounded yet mysterious and incomprehensible
- Essential and entertaining footnotes that expand the lore and world
Cons
- Extremely slow pacing, with many readers noting that 'nothing happens' for the first 200 pages
- Significant length and density, often described as a 'massive tome' or 'doorstop'
- Writing style is an acquired taste that can be polarizing
Top excerpts
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susannah Clarke
Speaking of Napoleonic Wars, *Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell* has magic instead of dragons.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (long, set in Regency England and with often matching language, pretends to be a history of the two titular magicians).
Her magnum opus is Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, but it is quick the tome, so you might want to try Piranesi.
*Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell* is her best-known work
Circe
45 positive (94%) · 3 mixed (6%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +94%
AI summary — not a quote
Madeline Miller's Circe is a highly acclaimed feminist retelling of Greek mythology, frequently praised for its beautiful prose and emotional depth. While it is often compared to Miller's other work, The Song of Achilles, many readers find Circe to be a superior, more character-driven standalone novel that resonates as a form of 'self-help' fiction.
Pros
- Beautifully written prose
- Excellent audiobook narration
- Strong feminist perspective on mythology
- Immersive and emotionally resonant
Cons
- Pacing can feel slow to some readers
- May take a long time to finish for those sensitive to narrative speed
Top excerpts
Circe by Miller
I was thinking of Circe next as a form of "self help" fiction
some books that fit the type... circe
2010s - Broken Earth, Circe, Stormlight Archive, Naomi Novik, etc
I got so emotionally connected to Circe in her book by Madeleine Miller. A lot of her story is her being alone, so it is very centered on her.