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Quote by Susanna Clarke

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Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

This novel is a rich tapestry of historical fiction and fantasy, following the lives of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, two men who bring magic back to England. The story delves into the complexities of magic and its impact on society, while also providing a detailed look at the political and social landscape of the time. more

Author

Susanna Clarke
Susanna Clarke

Susanna Clarke is a British author best known for her novel 'American Gods', which has won numerous awards, including the Hugo Award. Born on November 1, 1959, Clarke grew up in the UK and studied English literature at Oxford University. Her career began as a literary editor before she turned to writing. 'American Gods' is a fantasy novel that blends history, mythology, and science fiction, and it has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Clarke's work is celebrated for its unique narrative techniques and profound exploration of social and cultural issues, having a significant impact on contemporary fantasy literature. more

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“We're a lukewarm people for all our feast days and hard work. Not much touches us, but we long to be touched. We lie awake at night willing the darkness to part and show us a vision. Our children frighten us in their intimacy, but we make sure they grow up like us. Lukewarm like us. On a night like this, hands and faces hot, we can believe that tomorrow will show us angels in jars and that the well-known woods will suddenly reveal another path.”

“St Paul said it is better to marry than to burn, but my mother taught me it is better to burn than to marry. She wanted to be a nun. She hoped I would be a priest and saved to give me an education while my friends plaited rope and trailed after the plough. I can't be a priest because although my heart is as loud as hers I can pretend no answering riot. I have shouted to God and the Virgin, but they have not shouted back and I'm not interested in the still small voice. Surely a god can meet passion with passion? She says he can. Then he should.”

“Lovers are not at their best when it matters. Mouths dry up, palms sweat, conversation flags and all the time the heart is threatening to fly from the body once and for all. Lovers have been known to have heart attacks. Lovers drink too much from nervousness and cannot perform. They eat too little and faint during their fervently wished consummation. They do not stroke the favoured cat and their face-paint comes loose. This is not all. Whatever you have set store by, your dress, your dinner, your poetry, will go wrong.”