Title: The Princess Bride
Author: William Goldman
First published September 1, 1973
456 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345418265 (ISBN10: 0345418263)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
When Blake Crawford and Amanda Newland are paired up for their final project, they can’t stand each other. But as they begin to write together, they discover a shared talent for erotica.
Soon, they’re making a name for themselves in the self-publishing market under a secret pen name. As their passion on the page turns into passion in the bedroom, they realize they may have deeper feelings for each other.
But with their careers and reputations at stake, will they be able to keep their secret safe? Or will their love story have an unhappy ending?
Get ready for a steamy romance that blurs the line between fact and fiction in Karina Halle’s Smut.
About the Author
William Goldman was raised in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in a Jewish family. He earned his BA degree from Oberlin College in 1952 and his MA degree from Columbia University in 1956.
His brother, James Goldman, was a playwright and author.
Before transitioning to screenplays, Goldman had already written five novels and had three plays produced on Broadway, some of which he later used as the foundation for his screenplays. In the 1980s, he wrote a series of memoirs reflecting on his professional life in both Broadway and Hollywood.
One of his famous remarks was “Nobody knows anything.” Afterward, he went back to writing novels and adapted one of them into a screenplay that marked his return to screenwriting.
Goldman was a two-time Academy Award winner. His awards include Writing Original Screenplay for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and Writing Adapted Screenplay for “All the President’s Men.” He also won two Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Motion Picture Screenplay: one for “Harper” in 1967 and the other for “Marathon Man,” which was adapted from his 1976 novel, in 1979.
Goldman passed away on November 16, 2018, in New York City due to colon cancer and pneumonia complications. He was 87 years old.
Editoral Review
In his 1973 classic, The Princess Bride, William Goldman delivers a captivating tale of romance, adventure, and humor that has stood the test of time. Although initially marketed as a fairy tale, the novel transcends the boundaries of genre, appealing to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
At the heart of the novel is the deep love between Buttercup and Westley, who will do anything to be reunited despite facing insurmountable obstacles. Along the way, they cross swords with a variety of colorful characters, from the vengeful Prince Humperdinck to the cunning Vizzini to the bumbling Fezzik.
Goldman’s writing style is both witty and poignant, weaving together intricate plot threads with ease. His characters are vividly drawn, with quirks and flaws that make them feel real and relatable.
Despite the fantastical elements of the story, the underlying theme of love is universal and timeless. One of the strengths of the novel is its meta-fictional structure, with Goldman himself intervening throughout the text to provide commentary and insight.
This adds another layer of depth to the story, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the power of imagination. However, the excessive use of footnotes and asides can be overwhelming at times, disrupting the flow of the narrative.
Some readers may also find the constant shifts in perspective and tone jarring, although this is intentional and contributes to the overall humor of the story. Despite its flaws, The Princess Bride remains a masterfully crafted work of literature that has spawned multiple adaptations and become a cultural touchstone in its own right.
It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a good story, and a testament to the enduring power of love and adventure. Overall, I would highly recommend The Princess Bride to readers of all ages and backgrounds, who are looking for a classic tale that will transport them to another world.
Its combination of humor, romance, and action make it a perfect choice for a wide range of readers. I would give it a score of 9 out of 10, based on its exceptional writing, engaging characters, and enduring appeal.
