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Title: The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale
of True Love and High Adventure (The 'Good Parts' Version)
Author: William Goldman
type of book: YA Fiction
call number: YA/PB/FAN
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This book is strong in character, story and setting.
Main Characters:
- Westley (the man in black)
- Buttercup (princess)
- Prince Humperdinck (bad prince)
- Fezzick (giant)
- Inigo Montoya (swordsman)
- Miracle Max (miracle man)
- Count Rugan (the six fingered man)
Summary:
Westley and Buttercup are in love, but Westley has no fortune. He goes off to
America to make money. Soon after leaving, Buttercup hears that his ship was
attacked by pirates. Westley is assumed dead. Buttercup is the most beautiful
girl in Florin, so, naturally, Prince Humperdinck chooses her as his bride, even
though she does not love him. Prince Humperdinck only really loves war and
hunting and plans to have Buttercup murdered on their wedding night and blame
neighboring Guilder, which will start a war between the two countries. The
prince hires three men, Vincini (who is a brainiac and thinks everything is
"inconceivable"), Fezzick (who is a strong, yet kind giant), and Inigo (who is a
great swordsman bent on revenge for his father's death) to kidnap Buttercup and
have her killed on Guilder soil.
The man in black (Westley in pirate disguise - he wasn't killed) is secretly
following the group to rescue Buttercup. The prince also is making a half
hearted attempt to rescue "his love."
Westley and Buttercup are eventually reunited and are on the run from Prince
Humperdinck. They travel through the Fire Swamp. Westley is sent to the Pit of
Despair. Fortunately, Inigo and Fezzick decide to change sides and join Westley
to rescue Buttercup and escape, if they can.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
The story of Westley and Buttercup contains everything a
reader of fantasy or adventure fiction needs: "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles."
Besides the story's appeal as an
adventure and the secondary story of a father/son relationship, its humorous
play on elements of traditional fantasy makes it a fun and quick read. Goldman's parody is richly superb to most of its kind. Also, with this book having been turned into a very
funny and well done movie by Rob Reiner, it will appeal to many young readers,
both girls and boys.
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Employee Initials: KS
Review Date: February 2003
Read other reviews by this staff member.
