The Prestige by Christopher Priest Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Prestige
Book Review: Fantasize about Magic, please
Summary: 2 Stars
I finished the book, which is something. I read it on the high recommendations I read on this site, but now having read the book, and re-reading the reviews, I realise that the pleasure if Magic enthusiasts at seeing their subject-matter in print probably eclisped the awfulness of the book! OK, it was entertaining enough (hence 2 stars) - the writer keeps you in suspense for half the book - bravo, good showmanship. But, the PRESTIGE of his book, the big revelation, was the biggest let-down, cop-out and what I consider more dangerous, abuse of Science and insult to the Art of Illusion. Its reads like a third rate "Beam me up Scotty" copy. It seems the author is one of those who fell for the illusion of magic and actually believes it CAN happen, like for real. My goodness! I can only hope it was poetic license, and even then, it is hard to excuse him.Book Review: Fascinating reading
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book after seeing the recent film of the same name. I was hoping that it would clarify some obscure points in the movie and found no satisfaction there. However, the novel is fascinating and beautifully written. The movie plot takes different directions than the book does, but it is equally riveting. I strongly recommend The Prestige to any reader who enjoys a novel with many twists and turns, and doesn't mind a few open-ended plot points.Book Review: Finally an exciting book to read....
Summary: 4 Stars
I have seen the movie "The Prestige" which was a good movie but quite altered from the book. However, the book was really excellent!! And the movie actually did not explain "The Prestige" which is what is referred to in the book from the Tesla apparatus as being the left over remnants of the person. And the death of the one magician was not execution like it was in the movie and not the book. So I like to think of the movie and book as separate stories (both good but not the same). The book really had a strange twist to it and ended abruptly while bringing together the explanation. I wished the ending would have been longer with telling what happened more at the end. Overall, this book was very addictive to read and like many other readers, I too stayed up late to get through as much of the story as possible. And I enjoyed the fascinating reference to Tesla, who is now getting popular again with the idea of "free energy". If you are looking for a good book to read when you have the time, this is the one! This book really deserves 4.5 stars :)Book Review: Great book, a masterful tale involving magic & illusions
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I had seen the movie first (which is also great) and it actually enhanced reading it as you see the many differences and nuances between both of them. After reading a book which became a movie, I usually tend to think the book is better. In this instance, though, I still think both of them are equally great stories.
It is definitely worth your attention, particularly if you have some interest in the world of magic and illusions.
Book Review: How To Make Readers Disappear
Summary: 1 Stars
Have you ever watched a movie with someone, only to find afterwards that you seemed to have seen two different films? That's the way I felt when I read the preceding reviews of "The Prestige." Most reviewers read a magical, fast-paced story that they found exhilerating. I, on the other hand, found it so slow-moving and, okay, boring, that I gave it up after 200+ pages. I've never submitted a review on a book I didn't finish, but--in this case--I couldn't help myself. I started the story with great anticipation, but somewhere near the half-way point I found I couldn't care less what happened to either of these petty prestidigitators! There are hints throughout that something mystical is going to happen, but it's not enough to keep the interest of the average reader. Some folks have compared this (unfavorably) to "Carter Beats The Devil," which was much better, in my opinion. If someone wants a better combination of Victorian setting and fantastical goings on, I would happily suggest finding a copy of Mark Frost's "List Of 7," a delight from beginning to end.