The Princess Bride William Goldman Retro Friday Review

 I (Allison) love The Princess Bride.

There. I’ve said it. It’s out for the entire internet universe to do with what it will. And I guess now that it is out there, I should also admit that up until recently the only version of The Princess Bride that I had taken part of was the movie version. I just never got around to reading the book but now I can say that I finally did, and I think now I have an even greater appreciation for the story of The Princess Bride as a whole.

The Princess Bride is seriously a literary treasure.  I feel kind of guilty that I had not read it before this but instead chose to simply rely on the movie. The movie is amazing in its own right but the book holds the true essence of the story. For starters, the whole concept of William Goldman tracking down a story of his childhood, and breaking it down to make it a little more understandable and enjoyable was simply brilliant. It just shows you how important books can be to children, and how important reading is in general. Books and stories can have a lasting impact on a person. Also, part of me wishes that S. Morgenstern was real so that I could pick his brain and see what his thoughts were on the liberties that William Goldman took with “his” story. I think that would be fun!

I loved all the characters in The Princess Bride, and loved how you really got to know them in the context of the book. You really did get to learn how evil and conniving Prince Humperdinck really is. You get to learn how distraught Buttercup really was without Westley (albeit could be a little much at times), and of course you get to spend the time swooning over Westley, and gallivanting with Inigo, Fezzik, and Vizzini which is always fun as there is never a dull moment with those three characters!

It was very obvious to me that the movie had stayed very true to the book which was so nice to see. I loved seeing key character moments and key lines that I already had memorized from the movie also in the book. It made my heart very happy. For example:

  • INCONCIEVABLE!
  • You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
  • As you wish..
  • I’m not a witch I’m your wife!
  • Mawidge…
  • Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.
  • Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for some time.
  • This is true love. You think this happens every day?

And of course, the ever popular:

indigomontoya

If you’ve never read The Princess Bride or seen the movie, you’re really in for a delight. There are good men, bad men, true love, revenge, fighting, fencing, poison, giants, torture, pain, death, bravery, magic, chases, escapes, lies, truths, miracles, and creatures galore. And really … that is only scratching the surface!  It really is a break from reality, and it makes me you appreciate the concept of true love and of the innocence of childhood. The world that William Goldman crafts is simply magical and contains a story that is strictly filled with high class adventure and fantasy. It’s the perfect book to curl up with under a blanket and a warm drink of your choice, and it truly did my heart some real good to read the basis from where one of my favorite movies came from.

Disclosure: Borrowed copy from April (a LONG time ago)

Other reviews of The Princess Bride of William Goldman:

Book Addict: “I really liked this novel..

Only The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The wit, the charm, the characters that are larger than life, this is easily one of my favorite books of all time.

Foil The Plot: “You are in for a magical treat.

Thoughts At One In The Morning: “The Princess Bride is by far one of the best books written.

Retro Friday Reviews are hosted by Angieville & is an awesome meme/feature where you review an older or under the radar book on Fridays.

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Allison is 27 years old. She is always looking for new books, good music, quality/epic adventures, and a normal sleep schedule. She currently works with the elderly.

Comments

  1. I LOVE both the movie version and the book! Each is magical!

    You know William Goldman also wrote the movie version, right? That’s how it stayed so in tune with the book version!

    Isn’t this one of the most quotable books EVER?!

  2. *rolls eyes at Allison and puts ANOTHER book on her TBR list*

  3. I read the book before I saw the movie (thanks to sisters who were absolutely in love with the movie, but a mom who thought I was too young!) Clearly my mom had not read the book, because (at least to me) it was A LOT scarier, more intense and more romantic than the movie.

    I was in love with Inigo! (I know, I know, it is supposed to be all about Wesley! But he already had is true love.) As such, I was disappointed with the actor who portrayed him when I finally got to see the movie. I had imagined him more of a ‘Johnny Depp’ swarthy. But I do love the movie! Oh goodness, I just realized that my boys are at just the right age for this!!! Thanks for reminding me to share with the next generation!

  4. Great review. This is one I definitely need to read. Love the film, and I’ve been meaning to read the book for, like, YEARS! But haven’t yet. Hopefully soon! 😀

  5. I have never read The Princess Bride! I have wanted to forever, but just never gotten around to it. Of course, I love the movie, and I saw it when I was just a kid, way before I was capable of reading the book. Actually, I don’t think I knew the movie was based on a book until I was in high school. I really need to read it, though. Need to. Thanks for the review. 🙂

  6. I remember when I read this book for the first time, that I wished it actually was an abridged version because I wanted to read the full version with all the details about clothes and things that Goldman “cut.”

  7. I’ve been dying to read the book for so long (fie on my local library for not carrying it!), but for now I’m satisfied with the movie, which is my all-time favorite!

  8. I also love both the movie and book! It is a classic that everyone should read! Well, in my opinion. lol Great review!

  9. I’ve never read the book but LOVE the movie. Fav quote: Inigo to Fezzik “You ARE the brute squad”

  10. This is yet another movie based on a book that I haven’t read yet. SIGH. I’m guessing the book has no Fred Savage, which is a little bummer. I always thought he was cute and funny. Also, I loved the ROUS, even though it was hideous and huge. I’ll have to read this one soon!

  11. I have not yet read THE PRINCESS BRIDE, but I clearly need to as I love the movie. Also I love how many GIFs you incorporated into this review. WIN.

  12. I read The Princess Bride when I was much, much younger and it took me YEARS to figure out that S. Morganstern never existed!

    I really, heavily dislike the film though – it’s so cheesy and over-done. And yes, I know it was MEANT to be, but…. yck. No thank you 🙂

    You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

  13. Awwww, yay! I reread this a few years ago (having not loved it when I was a child when I so did not get what he was going for) and thought it was super great. I still prefer the movie ngl, but this is hilarious.