Book Review: The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories

Laci's avatar By Laci in Paperback Perils on
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Title: The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories
Author: Susanna Clarke
Publication Date: 2006
Publishing House: Bloomsbury USA

I recently read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell and I was excited to see that the library had this book by her as well.

Synopsis:

Following the enormous success of 2004 bestseller and critics’ favorite “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell”, Susanna Clarke delivers a delicious collection of ten stories set in the same fairy-crossed world of 19th-century England. With Clarke’s characteristic historical detail and diction, these dark, enchanting tales unfold in a slightly distorted version of our own world, where people are bedeviled by mischievous interventions from the fairies. With appearances from beloved characters from her novel, including Jonathan Strange and Childermass, and an entirely new spin on certain historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, this is a must-have for fans of Susanna Clarke’s and an enticing introduction to her work for new readers. Some of these stories have never before been published; others have appeared in the “New York Times” or in highly regarded anthologies.”” In this collection, they come together to expand the reach of Clarke’s land of enchantment.

This is a short story collection set in the same time and in England as the Strange & Norrell novel. In the original novel women magicians are discounted as an impossibility. But women magicians just chose to practice in private, rather than publicly like the gentleman. They also act on issues closer to home rather than fighting wars abroad.

Clarke also introduces readers to more of the world of the mischievous fair folk. They like to cause trouble in various ways and are defeated by everyday people. These books have an interesting English pastoral tone that is a perfectly beautiful setting for beautiful and wild fairies.

I suggest this book for fans of Susanna Clarke, for fans of magic, and fans of fairy stories. Happy reading.

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Published by Laci

Texas born, I grew up hunting and fishing. Now I love travel and cooking, a good beer and a great story. People are their stories and I hope to share mine. I have a ridiculously adorable canine companion named Bear, a supportive family, and a wonderful husband.