Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34453 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 656 pages

Anthony Burgess
'An astonishing achievement'

Synopsis
On a remote Greek Island, Nicholas Urfe finds himself embroiled in the deceptions of a master trickster. As reality and illusion intertwine, Urfe is caught up in the darkest of psychological games...John Fowles expertly unfolds a tale that is lush with over-powering imagery in a spellbinding exploration of the complexities of the human mind. By turns disturbing, thrilling and seductive, The Magus is a cerebral feast.

About the Author
John Fowles was born in England in 1926 and educated at Bedford School and Oxford University. John Fowles won international recognition with his first published title, THE COLLECTOR (1963). He was immediately acclaimed as an outstandingly innovative writer of exceptional imaginative power and this reputation was confirmed with the appearance of his subsequent works. He now lives and writes in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Customer Reviews

A great pager turner but unltimately unbelievable
I couldn't put this book down as I journeyed from one plot twist to the next, wondering where it was going and what the mystery was all about. However, when all was revealed - what a disappointment. There was no really mystery just a rather silly and unbelievable charade. What was the point of it all? Does the author really believe the reader is likely to be convinced by this? A whole gang of people trying to administer a moral lesson to someone they've never met before, involving what must be wild expenditure and about 6 months of time! Totally ridiculous. However, the shear suspense and the writing in many ways mitigate what is a deeply ridiculous and unconvincing plot. The changes in modes of behaviour since the book was written in the 60's means it has not aged well either.

Strange but enjoyable
Definitely one of the stranger books I have read. You are left in the dark all the way through and still guessing at the end. I am not one for too much detail in stories so that is my main criticism- it was too much for me. On the otherhand the latter might be just what they like. It was a weird storyline, and several times I started to think I was losing the plot when reading it, which is great because that is exactly how the main character feels. The ending leaves your imagination to decide where the story goes. It is a long story and struggle to get through it but worth reading it from start to finish.

exellently written nonsense
Maybe I am too old for The Magus. I agree it is a book for adolescents. But I felt cheated by how much time it took me to read it. I gave it an extra star because the writing is so accomplished and fluid. Truly expert. You never see Fowles break a sweat in terms of conveying what he wants to say in the simplest, most poetic terms. But what is he saying? The story is overblown nonsense. Still, if I were 16, I might have thoroughly enjoyed this book.