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 human complexities. By turns disturbing, thrilling and seductive, The Magus is a feast for the mind and the senses.
Going on holiday this somewhere? Pick this up. Whether you're going to somewhere nice and tropical and want to read about beaches and sunshine and all the things you're surrounded by, then it's great. If you're stuck at home and want to be transported somewhere else, it's great again. It was the latter case for me and I have to say this quickly became one of my favourite books.
What is so clever about this book is that you never entirely know, like Nicholas Urfe, what is real and what is not. The trickster comes and goes and figures appear and disappear across the island as the trickster tests him. Nicholas becomes completely and dangerously involved in this confusing and scary side to island life on Phraxos, never knowing just how far the trickster will go.
Don't be put off by the word 'trickster', though. It's not some fantastical island adventure with monsters and spells, it's a psychological thriller. The Hunger Games for adults! Well, not quite... but it is a game of sorts.
If the storyline doesn't float your boat, the setting will - wide open ocean, golden sands and sheltered coves. This is one of my ultimate favourite books, so do hope you enjoy it too. It's not a piss easy read but not because the writing is hard, just the nature of tricksters is that they are rather confusing! But take this on holiday with you, relax and get stuck in!
9/10
If this takes your fancy, why not look at some of my other Fowles posts:
Introducing... John Fowles
Selected Poems by John Fowles
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