The Prestige by Christopher Priest
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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: Haunting Dramatic Impact
Summary: 5 Stars
The idea of a novel is to present a story outside of your own experience, and The Prestige certainly does that. I saw the movie before I ever heard of the book, and the story was so compelling I wanted to read the original. It was far and beyond one of the most moving books I've read. The themes of illusion, revenge, and deception play out in a story rich with texture of Elizabethan London, with scenes in surrounds and post-expansion America.
Borden and Angier are fully-realized characters, each drawn in realistic backgrounds and motives. Their professional feud makes up the bulk of the story. Cause and effect play out until the consequences seem inevitable. The dramatic impact of the story is spellbinding and haunting. It should stay with you for a long time, and keep you thinking long after you turn the last pages.
Book Review: fantastic!
Summary: 5 Stars
I first heard of this book when news came out about the film being made by the very capable Christopher Nolan. I more or less read the entire novel in a weekend, and I can't get it out of my mind. It seems to be slow in some parts, but in retrospect, virtually no line is wasted and while in unfolds slowly, it's very carefully thought out. The point of the whole novel, or the main plot twist, isn't even evident until the closing pages of the book when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. I thought that the book was fantastic, perhaps not for everyone, but certainly for fans of mystery and perhaps even sci-fi. Highly reccomended.Book Review: Excellent Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
It is the best book I have ever read. It's suspencefull and completely enteraining from begining to end. The film doesn't spoil it either. I have seen the movie multiple times but I was still shocked when I finished the book.
It is about two rival Victorian magicians and the working lives of each. Almost the entire book is written in diary form but from several different prespectives. I was not used to this style but it suites the story quite well. Honestly it had the best ending of any novel I have read. It's worth reading just for the shockig finale. You won't be disappointed.
Book Review: Enchanting!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an amazing story filled with all the suspense and intrigue you've come to expect from modern thrillers and even more. Priest creates two believable characters and sets them afloat in a self-inflicted storm of revenge and regret. Borden and Angier grab you by the throat and don't let go. Good intro, great build-up, great climax, and an eerily satisfying resolution. As any magic show would, it leaves you gasping for more.