The Magus by John Fowles is a complex and mysterious novel set in Greece, following the story of Nicholas Urfe, a self-absorbed Englishman who takes a teaching position on a Greek island. Nicholas finds himself entangled in a series of mind games and deceit orchestrated by the eccentric millionaire Maurice Conchis. The plot twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, questioning themes of freedom, power, knowledge, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, suspenseful, and engaging, with a mix of psychological mind games and supernatural events that keep the reader intrigued.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with the protagonist often perceived as unlikable, while others serve deeper symbolic roles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is intricate, combining rich imagery with deep philosophical inquiries.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a young English teacher drawn into psychological games and existential questions on a Greek island.

Setting:

The setting is a Greek island that contributes significantly to the book's atmosphere and thematic richness.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with slower philosophical sections contrasted by intense, fast-paced revelations.

I was born in 1927, the only child of middle-class parents, both English, and themselves born in the grotesquely elongated shadow, which they never rose sufficiently above history to leave, of that mo...

Notes:

The Magus was first published in 1965 and is considered a masterpiece of psychological fiction.

The title 'Magus' refers to a Persian priest and is related to the words 'magic' and 'magi'.

The protagonist, Nicholas Urfe, is a young Englishman teaching on a Greek island.

The novel explores themes of reality versus illusion, existential questions, and human psychology.

Fowles spent over a decade writing The Magus, drafting it under the title 'The Godgame'.

The story features complex characters and intricate psychological games, often drawing on Greek mythology.

The Magus has been noted for its literary allusions, including references to Shakespeare's works.

The plot involves heavy psychological manipulation, with characters participating in elaborate games.

The novel has a notable ambiguity, especially in its ending, leaving many questions unanswered.

Fowles revised The Magus in 1977, changing some scenes and character dynamics, especially the treatment of women.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Magus include psychological manipulation, themes of misogyny, emotional abuse, mental struggles, and potentially triggering scenarios surrounding trauma and relationships.

Has Romance?

The novel includes romantic elements, particularly through the relationships of the protagonist Nicholas Urfe, but it is also intertwined with psychological manipulation and existential themes.

From The Publisher:

A man trapped in a millionare's deadly game of political and sexual betrayal

Filled with shocks and chilling surprises, The Magus is a masterwork of contemporary literature. In it, a young Englishman, Nicholas Urfe, accepts a teaching position on a Greek island where his friendship with the owner of the islands most magnificent estate leads him into a nightmare. As reality and fantasy are deliberately confused by staged deaths, sensual encounters, and terrifying violence, Urfe becomes a desperate man fighting for his sanity and his life.

A work rich with symbols, conundrums and labrinthine twists of event, The Magus is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, a work that ranks with the best novels of modern times.

Ratings (16)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (47):

Read It (17)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (27)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

2 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Did Not Like

1 month

Just like the first novel I read by John Fowlers the blurb drove me into picking it up. But I don't think I'm a huge fan of his writing. This was definitely a long book and I wasn't invested enough to make this a fast and fun read. Won't probably not read anything more by this author in the future

swinel145

It Was OK

9 months

Excellent and rewarding ending but absolute pain to get to it

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About the Author:

John Fowles (1926 - 2005) won international recognition with his first published novel, The Collector (1963). His subsequent works include The Magus (1966), The French Lieutenant's Woman (1969), Daniel Martin (1977), and others.

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The Magus

John Fowles