The Prestige by Christopher Priest Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Prestige
Book Review: The Prestige
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched the movie ("The Prestige" directed by Christopher Nolan) before reading the novel. They actually differ on several points, and I don't think watching the film spoiled the reading. The novel spans a longer time period and is framed by a story set in today's world (a meeting between descendants of Borden and Angier, the two rival magicians). The plot alternates between different times and persons, like a puzzle where the pieces are different perspectives on basically the same events. In this the novel is really effective: it made me sympathise with the different narrators, although two of them are enemies. Also, even though I had watched the movie the story kept me guessing about some things until the very end. The movie is very good, but I actually like the book a little bit more as I think it makes some things more 'believable'.
The Prestige is very well written and hard to put down, and I will definitely read more novels by Christopher Priest.
Book Review: The Prestige: Speaking Magic
Summary: 4 Stars
This book intrigued me such that I recently bought a copy at the airport for a long international flight. It's been released as a second-rate motion picture. I haven't seen the film, but there's a fascinating angle to the book for anyone involved with the professional speaking business.
The two main characters in this sensational Victorian melodrama are rival magicians whose stage acts provide entertainment in the Music Halls of nineteenth-century London. The book chronicles their careers. What's fascinating is how much like the business of professional speaking today the business of the professional magician was then.
They have their professional associations, journals and tricks of the trade. Every magician preserves their tradecraft:
"Magic has no mystery to magicians. We work variations of standard methods. What will seem new or baffling to an audience is simply a technical challenge for other professionals." (p.68)
They struggle in the early days of their career, learning to showcase their tricks as they learn to tolerate rejection by booking agents. They perform to small audiences where and when they find them. They bomb. They try again. They struggle to establish themselves:
"The real problem with theatrical bookings is that while they pay well they provide no continuity. Each is at the end of a blind alley. I do my act, I take my applause, I collect my fee, but none of these ensures another booking. Even the reviews in the press are small and grudging." (p.172)
As today, the secret is finding a niche. It might be running seances, or assuming the character of a French scientist, or embracing the use of the novel aspects of electricity in an act. Their careers peak and they struggle to reinvent themselves. The demands are relentless:
"A magician can never practice enough, because every moment spent will improve his performance. So I toil in my workshop...and rehearse until I feel sick with preparation. Although my skill with prestidigitation increases, sometimes, in my darker moments, I do wonder why I am continuing to rehearse at all." (p.210)
In the days before television and radio, the internet and mobile connected c0mmunications, these entertainers were the superstars of their day. Those who make their living on the podium today play to much diminished audiences. The volume of bookings, attention spans of audiences and desire for entertainment to be delivered in person were far greater for the Victorians. There were no requirements to turn off cell phones before a speaker came onstage, no glances at a Blackberry if the message was not compelling. Of course, limelight played havoc with your sinus condition and the demands of a roadtrip were just that.
If you want a ripping good yarn, pick up a copy of The Prestige.
Book Review: The movie is not the book.
Summary: 4 Stars
I saw the movie, which led me to read the book. I liked the movie as a movie, but felt that the book was much better. I couldn't put it down. There was a lot of poetic license in the movie, which didn't bother me as long as I separated the movie from the book. I gave it 4 stars, because I was disappointed in the ending. I was left with numerous questions which were not answered.
I went back and watched the movie again after finishing the book. Many of the things made more sense to me then, things that I missed the first and second viewings.
The book is an exciting read. I recommend it.
Book Review: Very good book.
Summary: 3 Stars
Very good book. Although I saw the movie first, and so I knew some of the plot twists going in, the book was so well-written I still ended up enjoying it.
The book is actually quite different from the movie, including a whole sub-plot involving present-day descendents of the two main characters. The story is narrated first-person by several of the characters in succession. The highlight of the book is a series of diary entries by one of the characters that is quite well-crafted. It unfolds the way a real diary might, with gaps, abrupt changes of heart or circumstance, the character's convictions and doubts and emotions laid bare.
I'd have to say though that the movie upstaged the book it was based on (so to speak), and if I HAD to choose, I'd recommend it over the book. Still, I'd loan my paperback out to a friend who was looking for a good read.
Book Review: Worth the Read
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is worth the time and money spent reading it, as it tells an intriguing tale. It is true what other reviews say on here, that the writing is not the best. The writing is sufficient, I would say. If you like tales of intrigue, this one is definitely worth the read.