Post originally by Jackob at 2005-01-05 06:20:56
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It's kinda funny. My sister-in-law and her boyfriend gave me this book as a christmas present despite it not being on my wish list because "it looked like the kinda book I'd like" and "it's praised by Neil Gaiman". That last bit was enough to make me think that it couldn't be a complete loss.
Didn't read the review for fear of spoilers, but I saw the scores and was happy. Gotta finish <i>Orcs - the Omnibus Edition</i> before I get into this.
Post originally by Wombat at 2005-01-05 09:10:49
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This is one of the best not-quite-historical novels I have ever read. The style is a bit more Jane Austen (language-wise) than, say, the Patrick O'Brian novels, but that is all to the good. It moves along at a fast pace, the characters are truly amazing, and it ends with a satisfactory thump.
A truly grand book! Rare is the fantasy novel (if it is to be labeled as such) that reads so well.
Post originally by committed hero at 2005-01-05 17:05:04
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I got this for Christmas while in the middle of Hawksmoor (which I guess was praised by Alan Moore in From Hell, so nyah nyah). That book has even more period language and spelling. An unlucky coincidence that I am trying to read both at the same time.
Post originally by Penny at 2005-01-05 17:37:40
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I've heard it labeled as more like Thackery in prose style, and I'd concur. While she doesn't have the same references to the author and other fourth wall breaking moments, Austin is denser and Dickens more whimsical without that slight air of satire. In other words I loved it and whole heartedly agree with Gaiman's comments, it is the best *English* novel of the last 70 years.
Post originally by Carl at 2005-01-06 20:30:41
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I snuck a few peeks at this book in my local bookstore.
From the little I was able to read (the beginning, before Mr. Strange shows up), the novel reminded me, prosewise, of Jack Vance slightly leavened with Terry Pratchett: rather dry-seeming, until you read a bit between the lines and find yourself chuckling at the droll insights and satire.
Very English and quite slyly mannered, and rather hard to resist. The fact that the action goes at a decent clip helps quite a bit.
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