This next book is one that probably almost everyone has heard of and if you haven’t you probably have heard of the movie. I have to admit that I haven’t seen this movie and have only just now read the book for the first time. The book I am referring to is The Princess Bride by William Goldman and is the basis for the movie of the same name. This book opens with William Goldman explaining how he came to write his abridgement of the original text created by S. Morgenstern. However, the book is a work of meta so this is part of the story. It then transitions into telling the story of young Buttercup by discussing how she first discovered she was in love with Westley and the tragic results of their acknowledging that love that ended with Westley’s death. Shortly thereafter it discusses the neighboring Prince Humperdinck and explains why he is looking to marry. This leads up to his pursuit of Buttercup and his eventual marriage proposal. After she reluctantly agrees to marry the neighboring prince, it also mixes in the background stories of a group of adventurers, Fezzik, Inigo Montoya, and Vizzini who are hired to kidnap and kill Buttercup. Throughout the book there are continued interjections by the character of William Goldman where he explains how he altered the text and why he chose to do so.
This book is probably one of the more unusual books I have read recently, which is probably saying something actually. The story itself is pretty good as it paints a picture of a young couple desperately in love and who are willing to do anything to be together but who are unfortunately torn apart by tragic circumstances before they are able to do so. While I have never actually been in that situation I can sympathize with what they are going through and hope they get their happy ending. The characters themselves are fairly unique but also come across as slightly ridiculous and over the top, especially Fezzik and Inigo Montoya, which I assume was probably intentional on the part of the author. While I am not sure how well I like these characters I can understand how they are meant to add to the overall comic value in the text. The plot itself is fairly similar as well as each element of the plot from the tragic supposed death of Westley to the arranged kidnapping of Buttercup is also exaggerated in a way that enhances and inflates the comic value of the story. Something that is done extremely well in both cases as the story does have a relatively high comic value overall. The meta factor wherein the character of the author continually breaks in to explain how and why he changed the text for his abridgement also heightens the comic value. However, I actually found that rather distracting at times as I feel almost like I would have preferred to focus on the story of Buttercup and Westley without the constant interjections. I also know that the story would not have been the same without those irregardless of how I felt about them. Altogether, this book was interesting, creative and mildly confusing all while being ridiculous and highly comic. I can see why so many others like this book and recommend it. In my opinion, I am going to give it only three out of five stars and only because it is not my preferred style of story. Like I said before, I find the meta elements of the text to be a little distracting so I am only giving this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This book is probably a little tricky to find who I would recommend it to. The book itself is fantasy and is aimed at adult or young adult readers which is a good starting spot. However, the meta elements may put off many readers depending on the reader. I am going to suggest that if the meta elements don’t put you off and you happen to enjoy a good fantasy read that you consider trying this book. Even if you don’t like the idea of meta elements you can still try the book out but you may not enjoy it as much. I would also agree with the suggested age range as it seems like it would be most appropriate to adults or young adults due to the thematic content of the book. I am also unsure how well younger readers would handle the meta elements present in the text. Either way, it is a good book and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.