The Princess Bride (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by William Goldman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Princess Bride (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Book Review: The film was always a childhood classic.
Summary: 4 Stars
I did love the book but there was too much before the story started, William Goldman explained why he rewrote the novel but I really didn't want to know. I wanted to get straight into the book, but instead I was met with pages of writing that I basically didn't want to read, so I was left flicking through a third of the book waiting for the actual story to start. But when It did it was amazing I truly recomend the book, and also see the film aswell. In a word, I loved it! Buy buy buy!Book Review: Witty, but often woolly novel of the cult film
Summary: 3 Stars
Goldman claims in his preface to The Princess Bride that "It's still my favourite book in all the world. And more than ever, I wish I had written it". However, the more you read, the more it seems likely that he did write it. The novel of the most charming film ever is certainly worth reading, but often veers irritatingly into self-indulgence. For instance, Goldman claims to have cut large chunks from the original S.Morgenstern text, calling this book "the good parts version", and professing to have excluded lengthy descriptions of tedious politics, satire of the upper classes and hat-wearing. As both an author and a screenwriter, he is far too crafty, and one gets the sense throughout that he is teasing the reader, deliberately making them think "But how can Buttercup spend seventy-two pages training to be a princess?". Fortunately, the book does expand on all the things you wished could be in the film but there wasn't time for. Inigo Montoya and Fezzik in particular come into their own with more detailed descriptions of their pasts, and there is more of the fighting, swords, piracy, miracle making, revenge, heroes, villains and true love that made the film such a classic. Certainly worth a read, in particular for the extract from the sequel "Buttercup's Baby", but be prepared to take the authors' claims with a pinch of iocane powder.Book Review: Why am I smiling? Because I know something you don't know.
Summary: 5 Stars
You've probably seen the film. Believe me - the book is infinatly better. It's bigger, darker, funnier, scarier, more exciting, more romantic, more EVERYTHING! Inconcievable?
Not at all - If you like the film, read the book. If you thought the film was OK - read the book. You'll love it! You also get a bonus chapter of the sequel, AND! A hot special offer to send of for the missing three pages. Read it, and all will become clear....
Book Review: fantastic fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
I must have seen the film about twenty times when I was younger and I was amazed to find that there was a novel too. It lived up to every expectation and more. I love the way Goldman messes with the reader's sense of what is real and what isn't - multiple levels of fantasy feed the wonderfully bizarre atmosphere of the novel all the way through. It was magical in every sense of the word but in the most grown up and witty way. I cried when the book ended. It could have gone on for ever for me and I wouldn't have been bored. This book has everything in it, love, hate, destiny, romance, tragedy, comedy, history, geography... I could go on, but I won't. You shouldn't be reading this review you should be buying this book NOW.Book Review: THE Classic Fairytale EVERYONE should know by heart
Summary: 5 Stars
After having watched the film many times as a child, I was delighted to find that the book was available. However, I was intrigued by the existence of S. Morgenstern... Having done a little digging, I have found out that S. Morgenstern was a pen-name used by William Goldman when he first wrote another book: The Silent Gondoliers (this book can be found with Goldman as the author on this site). I hope this solves the mystery for anyone who was still in any doubt as to the existence of this enigma. As to my opinions on the story and why it is so good, I can only cite sheer genius on the part of Mr. Goldman, and reiterate the opinions already found on this page. Watch the film, read the book and make sure you read it to your kids, otherwise I fear the fairytale will be lost from our culture for good!