The Princess Bride: A Good Book and I Mean It...

"Anybody want a peanut?"

**This review reveals major details about the plot and ending of the book, so beware! Each paragraph containing a spoiler will indicate such by saying *SPOILER* at the beginning of the paragraph.

I had never realized that The Princess Bride was a book before it became the wonderful classic of a movie that it is- until I noticed so during the end credits of the movie. Seeing as such, I found a hardcover copy of the book on Ebay for $15 and bought it mainly out of curiosity. Finally, the book arrived and I began reading it an hour later at about 1 in the afternoon. Would it be as good as the movie, or dare I say, better? Would the loveable characters I grew fond of on the movie live again in the pages of this book? I read the entire book that day... (255 pages)

The Intro
Normally I do not consider the intro section of novels to be all that important. Why should I read about the author's childhood and how it had an impact on the book? In the intro, William Goldman, the author, speaks much about his childhood. It seems all young "Billy" (William) was good for was playing sports and being obnoxious. One day, little Billy becomes sick and his semi-illiterate father reads him "The Princess Bride S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure". Billy falls in love with the book and has ever since devoted himself to reading and writing.

Fast forward several years to the time when William Goldman has a child of his own. For his boy's 10th birthday, William Goldman has a copy of "The Princess Bride" sent to his son. Up to this time, William has never read the book, but knows it by heart from the way his dad used to read it to him. So when his son refuses to finish reading the book (he only reads the first chapter), William decides to inspect the book himself. He discovers that "The Princess Bride" by S. Morgenstern wasn't a children's book after all, but a satiric history of the country of Florin filled with geneologies and customs and such. William's father had skipped all the unnecessities when reading it aloud and had read only the 'good parts'. The book as we know it is the 'good parts' version of S. Morgenstern's classic tale. And as so he tells it.

The Plot (simplified)
The book is a tale of the greatest love that ever existed between a man and a woman. Wesley, a farmhand, and Buttercup, a farmgirl must overcome great odds ranging from the dangerous fire swamp, to the ruthless Prince Humperdinck who wants to take Buttercup as his bride- only to kill her. The story is full of great characters such as Inigo, the master swordsman, and Fezzik a gentle giant.

*SPOILER*
The Ending
Reading some of the many reviews done on this book, I noticed some did not like the ending. At first neither did I. In fact, I couldn't believe a love story could end in such a way. Up to this point, Wesley and Buttercup, Inigo and Fezzik together have shared in a great adventure. Having just escaped the palace and Prince Humperdinck, they flee together with Humperdinck and his men in persuit. All seems fine until they are no longer able to flee for various reasons. The story ends with the sounds of Humperdincks horses getting closer and closer... . A way to end a love story? Sure! Let me explain:

Nothing here really suggests that our heroes die. To me, it seems to say that the adventures are only just beginning! Bravo to Goldman for a fine ending. "Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all."

*SPOILER*
Conclusion
Halfway through the book something hit me. There is no S. Morgenstern. Throughout the book, William Goldman interupts the reading, adding his comments on the original supposed containments of the book by S. Morgenstern, however the comments as to what were in the 'original version' are quite humorous. Goldman creates quite a mysterious character in S. Morgenstern by doing this. Several people are confused at this "second rendering of the Princess Bride". I don't think I would have noticed this if I hadn't read the intro to the book. The intro is quite vital to getting the whole feel of this book. It is, in fact, part of the story. The story changes, not to that of Wesley and Buttercup, but to that of William Goldman trying to reunite with the 'classic tale' that he once knew and loved. Kinda tricky, huh? That's what makes this book memorable for me.

Will You Like this Book?
This book is very similar to the movie (William Goldman wrote the screenplay for the movie and kept it accurate). There are some minor inconsistencies, but most of the famous lines are all in the book (which came first, remember!) The book goes into much detail about Inigo and Fezzik's childhood and adds greater detail in most all things- certainly something die-hard fans of the movie would be interested in. The book is easily understood and Goldman uses his fantastic ability to help you feel what the characters are feeling.

How old are you? Would you like to stay forever young? Reading this book is a good start. From the enchanting beauty of Buttercup to the mystical abilities of Inigo Montoya, the greatest swordsman ever (Well, almost...), you'll feel as if you are right there among them. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go read it a second time! Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoy the book!

Princess Buttercup is about to commit suicide, a dagger held against her bosom when suddenly, her beloved Wesley appears...

"There are always too few perfect breasts in this world: leave yours alone."