The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

 

I have a confession to make.  I have not yet read Jonathan Norrel and Mr. Strange.  I know, I know! 

My first encounter with Susanna Clarke’s work was when Piranesi was nominated for a Hugo Award. I read it as part of the voting packet and I loved it! It was unlike anything else I had read that year and it was so unexpected. I put Jonathan Norrel and Mr. Strange on my To Read pile but it’s too heavy to bring on the train for my daily commute. 

When I saw a new book by Ms. Clarke available on NetGalley, I excitedly requested it! And while it was disappointingly short, being only an illustrated short story, it was delightfully enchanting. 

The story is rather slight, but this piece more than makes up for it in atmosphere and style. To call it magical and enchanting is to undersell it. This story is a perfect morsel and I look forward to soon enjoying the feast of her longer work.