Considering that the cinematic version of this story is one of my all-time favorite movies, it somewhat boggles me that I took this long to read the book! I love it!!! William Goldman's prologue and his little asides are great!
Read it, read it, read it!
What a classic story!
Read it, read it, read it!
What a classic story!
Helpful Score: 4
When I first read this, I was under the impression that this really was an abridgment, that there was an S Morgenstern and perhaps even a Florin or Guilder at some point in history. I was annoyed by the author commentary initially...thinking "just get on with the story...you're ruining it." Reading it again with the knowledge that S Morgenstern is one of William Goldmans pen names, his father never read it to him because it never existed, and all the snide asides he made throughout the book were not to belittle the original author but rather add to the comedy and satire...I'm glad it was left in! The asides are proof that writers have wayyyy too much time on their hands, but it was so creatively and convincingly done that many people (myself not excluded) finish the book believing every word about the history of Florin and "the original text". The Princess Bride is a very clever little book...it makes mention that it's for children, but I don't buy that. Better than the movie of course, but the movie is surprisingly faithful...there were only a few bits in the book that didn't make the movie that I missed. This book is a good little bit of escapism...the author is a self indulgent but brilliant man. Highest recommendations to anyone looking for lighter fare and a good laugh.
This is one of my favorite books ever! I have seen the movie version too many times to count but the book is just as good if not better. I especially like the description of the "Pit of Despair" from the book. If you have enjoyed the movie version this book is a "must read".
Helpful Score: 3
Great book! I'd seen the movie several times, and as expected, the book goes into much greater detail. It's a lot of fun to read whether you've seen the movie yet or not.
Helpful Score: 3
I tried reading this once and then had to put it down because I was very confused (like many were) that there was actually an S. Morgenstern and there was an original book. Once I went online and realized that wasn't the case, I was better able to read it.
The movie follows the book. A few events changed slightly, some dialogue moved around. I admit that I skipped a lot of the "commentary" portions of the book, but there were a few that had been taken and put straight into the movie, so it was pretty funny to see that.
I found that I didn't care too much for Buttercup in the book, but I really enjoyed most of the other characters. I especially loved Fezzini. The flashbacks for the characters explaining why they are the way they are, I felt, were really insightful.
Overall an enjoyable read.
The movie follows the book. A few events changed slightly, some dialogue moved around. I admit that I skipped a lot of the "commentary" portions of the book, but there were a few that had been taken and put straight into the movie, so it was pretty funny to see that.
I found that I didn't care too much for Buttercup in the book, but I really enjoyed most of the other characters. I especially loved Fezzini. The flashbacks for the characters explaining why they are the way they are, I felt, were really insightful.
Overall an enjoyable read.