Reading the Chunksters discussion

We are now into Volume Two, and this section covers chapters 23 to 26. Jonathan Strange's magical education continues, he meets Norrell for the first time and we hear more about Stephen.

Chapter summaries (beware spoilers):
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23. The Shadow House

Two riders ride North though Witshire, discussing Norrell and why he won’t publish his thoughts. They are Honeyfoot and Segundus. While investigating the story of the York statue’s story, Honeyfoot has discovered that the murderer was from Avebury, so he wants to look at old parish records there. The also want to visit the Shadow House. The history and folklore of the Shadow House is described. Honeyfoot and Segundus arrive there and explore the overgrown garden, where Segundus begins to feel uneasy. The sit down, Segundus sleeps and starts to dream. After he wakes, they meet Jonathan Strange and Henry Woodhope. Both Strange and Segundus have had similar dreams in which they saw each other and a lady in a gown (the last owner of the house). Segundus and Honeyfoot tell Strange who they are, including the tale of the York magicians and Norrell. They are all staying at the same inn in Avebury, where they retreat for dinner. Strange explains that he has been trying to learn magic for two years but all of the old books have already been bought by Norrell. Honeyfoot suggests that he should study with Norrell.

24. Another magician

Drawlight tells Norrell that he has a rival magician, a Mr Strange of Shropshire. Norrell reluctantly agrees to meet him. The meeting does not go well, and Strange leaves. Lascelles and Drawlight discuss it with Norrell. Norrell worries that Lord Mulgrave might summon Strange to help with his plan to summon witches to help with the war against the French. After a few days, Norrell decides he has to help Strange with access to his books, and presents him with one as a gift. He asks Strange to demonstrate some magic. Strange tries a spell, moving the book behind the mirror while leaving only its image in the room. This impresses Norrel, but he is unable to reverse the trick. The next day Norrell meets Strange privately and they agree that he will become Norrell’s pupil.

25. The education of a magician

In their first lesson, Strange asks Norrell why he is so set against using fairy spirits to help his magic. Norrell explains his views on the Raven King and his methods. He quotes a number of stories, some of which are recorded at length in the footnotes, including a long story about a Nottinghamshire magician including a lot of village names I am familiar with – the geography of the story is accurate! The lessons are described, and Strange starts to help Norrell with his work to help with the war.

26. Orb, crown and sceptre

Stephen Black and Lady Pole continue to attend faerie balls at night. The gentleman with thistle-down hair bestows a number of gifts on Stephen, which he tries to decline. Stephen is still depressed by day and tries to tell his story, but his words come out as lectures on arcane and obscure subjects. He goes to see Mrs Brandy, who tries to raise his spirits with tales of Africa. After leaving her, he has more surreal experiences and meets the gentleman again, who persuades him to wear and carry a crown, orb and sceptre, and shows him the other magician i.e. Strange, who is unaware of their presence.

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I fell behind a bit after a couple of busy weeks, but am now catching up - despite the length of the book, the style is so light and readable that it’s easy to do that.

I’m really enjoying how the story twists and turns from one angle to another, and there are so many digressions that may or may not prove to be significant. The visit to Avebury (Wiltshire is my part of the world so I appreciated that) gets diverted by the visit to the Shadow House and meeting Strange - the meeting of Strange and Norrell offers up more possibilities.

Stephen’s plight is both amusing (I loved the idea of him walking through London with his orb and sceptre) and terrifying as he can’t stop the gifts and can’t tell anyone what’s happening.

I totally got behind too but should catch up on posting shortly :)

Pamela wrote: "I fell behind a bit after a couple of busy weeks, but am now catching up - despite the length of the book, the style is so light and readable that it’s easy to do that.

I’m really enjoying how the..."

I really enjoyed Stephen's creepy transformation into the king too!

Poor Stephen, everyone just thinks he is beautiful and should be made king and given unlimited gifts. I can see how he views this as a burden! Of course, he knows something is afoot as the good fortune that befalls him would not ordinarily occur. I was surprised by the transformation of Norrell from the loner magician trying to quash all other magicians to the most fervent fan and teacher of Strange. Strange, who has no idea what he is doing! Sounds like he could be dangerous. The ending of this section really highlighted how upside-down everything has become - a ceremony gleefully celebrating the deaths of the children of enemies? Oh my, what is next??