Book: The Magus
Jun. 21st, 2003 12:59 pmAuthor: John Fowles
Details: (c) John Fowles 1966, revised edition 1977; Pub Jonathan Cape 1985; ISBN 0-224-01392-0
Verdict: The Magus is interesting and well-written, if perhaps a little dated. Well worth reading.
Reasons for reading it: I listed it under 'books I've never heard of' when I was discussing the BBC's Big Read list, and![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
rysmiel recommended it highly.
How it came into my hands: The library were jumping on the Big Read bandwagon and had it prominently on display when I was walking past.
I have a bit of a dilemma about reviewing this, because it relies so heavily on suspense. Normally I don't make a fuss about spoilers; I simply hide all my reviews behind cuts anyway, and assume that anyone who is bothered will have the sense not to read them. But with The Magus, knowing the outcome in advance would almost completely destroy the story. And the main thrust of my review is pretty much how I reacted to the way the plot was gradually revealed. Anyway, I'll do my best to be discreet.
( detailed review )
Anyway, many thanks torysmiel for recommending this; it's not something I would particularly have gone for spontaneously, and I really got a lot out of it.
Details: (c) John Fowles 1966, revised edition 1977; Pub Jonathan Cape 1985; ISBN 0-224-01392-0
Verdict: The Magus is interesting and well-written, if perhaps a little dated. Well worth reading.
Reasons for reading it: I listed it under 'books I've never heard of' when I was discussing the BBC's Big Read list, and
rysmiel recommended it highly.How it came into my hands: The library were jumping on the Big Read bandwagon and had it prominently on display when I was walking past.
I have a bit of a dilemma about reviewing this, because it relies so heavily on suspense. Normally I don't make a fuss about spoilers; I simply hide all my reviews behind cuts anyway, and assume that anyone who is bothered will have the sense not to read them. But with The Magus, knowing the outcome in advance would almost completely destroy the story. And the main thrust of my review is pretty much how I reacted to the way the plot was gradually revealed. Anyway, I'll do my best to be discreet.
( detailed review )
Anyway, many thanks to
rysmiel for recommending this; it's not something I would particularly have gone for spontaneously, and I really got a lot out of it.