WHO’S READING WHAT . reader’s recommendations
London; New York: Touchstone, 1995.
Call No.: PRI
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As with magic and illusions, this story has more to hide than the simple mechanics of a flashy trick. Set in 19th century England, Priest reveals the bitter feud between two illusionists – Rupert Angier, the aristocrat turning his back on riches and land and only wanting to earn the awe of the skeptic public, and Alfred Borden, son of a carpenter whose determination to excel and somewhat self-righteousness sets off events that would have disastrous consequences.
While the feud may have seemed petty to begin with, it quickly escalates to deadly levels, affecting and driving their loved ones to the extreme. And even as both illusionists’ reputations climbed further over time, they are obsessed with discovering the heart of a fantastic act they both practise, each with their own flair. What follows is an eerie mystery that no one could even fathom to imagine its existence.
Written from varied perspectives in diary format, this story will let you journey from the horror of misdirected intentions to the tragedy of ambition gone wrong. Expect shocking revelations and presume nothing is impossible. Even better, presume nothing.
Priest has masterfully crafted a narrative full of secrets, curiosity and obsession and toyed with his characters with much ease, like Angier or Borden would with a simple card trick. And by using diary entries for the story flow, it brings you that much closer to the characters’ emotions and keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting, once and for all, to uncover the hidden shadows.
Winner of both the World Fantasy Award and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction, this acclaimed novel has also been filmed into a movie directed by Christopher Nolan (of Memento fame) and starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, David Bowie and Andy Serkis. And I have to say, the movie is just as ominous and macabre.
Contributed by Elizabeth Lee, Librarian, Children’s Services
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Brennan // Jan 10, 2007 at 12:30 pm
That’s the book which the movie was based on!
2 Elizabeth // Jan 11, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Yeah, I was so impressed with the movie, I had to read the book as well.
3 L // Jan 17, 2007 at 11:53 am
Thanks for the good review! The novel sounds too horrifying for me though..
4 E@L // Aug 14, 2009 at 2:33 pm
The book was not quite horrifying, but certainly spooky and a with a sense of the supernatural that the movie ending gave away for a cheap trick. Priest is an interesting writer, I am looking for more of his stuff. He has done some in a vaguely S-F HGWellian style, I believe.
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