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Original poster

The Magus

33 replies

chopinbabe · 18/08/2014 20:45

Has anyone read The Magus by John Fowles?

I'm finding it hard going and very different to the only other one of his that I have read, 'The Collector.'

Any tips?

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riverboat1 · 30/08/2014 17:56

I remember finishing this and thinking 'I need to read this again'. So twisty and turny and so many high-blown concepts being expounded, it's all hard to take in properly.

I really enjoyed it though. I love books with twists and this had them in abundance!

longtallsally2 · 30/08/2014 16:03

Hadn't realised, till I just googled it to check on Lily;s name that it was Fowles first book. Thought it was much more complex than The Collector which, although chilling, is, if I remember rightly, something a one idea book

longtallsally2 · 30/08/2014 16:02

I think the ending was a bit unsatisfying quirky but I saw that as deliberate. We chase dreams, which we believe will fulfil us and make us happy but in the end, we might be happier, more fulfilled, with what we already had. Alison was all that Nicholas needed, but he had to realise that for himself. She is less glamorous, less exciting than Lily, but his love for her is an illusion (as shown when he cannot distinguish her from Rose - he loves the image, not the person) whereas Alison really loved him and, I believe, the implication is that in understanding that, he will appreciate and love her in a way he couldn't before.

Sootgremlin · 29/08/2014 21:12

I loved it when I read it, raced through it on a a holiday in Greece - of course!, but remember feeling unsatisfied at the end, like it didn't live up to its page-turning promise. I'd like to reread it to see what I make of it now, but it needs to join the queue (see former bookworms thread).

French lieutenant's woman I found less enjoyable, but also bloody weird, in its way. The Collector I think is very good, read it when I was 18, but I could never read it again I don't think, I shudder at the thought of it!

quirkychick · 29/08/2014 20:56

I love The Magus, but I think it can be very different with each reading of it. You can read into it what you choose, if you like.

One idea is that Conchis is the conscience. I always wonder what happened with Nicholas' predecessor...

MiddleAgeMiddleEngland · 29/08/2014 20:47

I haven't read it since I wrote a very long essay on it at university many years ago. Funnily enough, I was looking at it on the shelf just a few days agoa and thinking I must read it again. Daniel Martin is also on my shelf, unread so maybe I'll read that, too. I think I'll always prefer FLW though.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 28/08/2014 14:42

You can almost see him rolling his eyes and sighing in a world weary fashion writing that letter, can't you? the grumpy fuckerHmm Grin

Lightshines · 28/08/2014 14:26

Does this link help? Grin

Original poster
chopinbabe · 24/08/2014 11:12

I've finished it! Don't think I will read it again but has given me lots to think about, including trying to work out if Nicholas and Alison are going to be together.

Didn't really understand the sex scene with Lily and Joe.

OP posts:
halfdrunkcoffee · 24/08/2014 11:09

I read it about 10 years ago - enjoyed it but couldn't quite make head or tail of it, but might try it again sometime. I enjoyed The Collector as well.

longtallsally2 · 22/08/2014 16:02

Ooh Bringmetea, any chance you could clarify the boat episode for me too by PM??

BringMeTea · 22/08/2014 14:43

You're welcome though not sure his 'explanation' adds much clarity. I love the idea of the earnest 17 year old.

Thurlow · 22/08/2014 14:39

Thanks bringmetea Grin

longtallsally2 · 22/08/2014 14:32

I got through it too, once, when confined to bed with a virus/high temperature. Think it's a good book to read whilst feeling slightly detached from reality. The Collector is much easier to read

Can't say I loved it, but I felt that I had achieved something! (Still would love someone to explain the bit-on-the-boat-with-the-uncle-near-the-end.)

I knew someone who was having a mid-life crisis/an affair and have to say that he was Nicholas down to a tee. Interestingly, his story ended the same way as the Magus too!,

MisguidedAngel · 22/08/2014 14:25

I agree with IndridCold - the original version is very much better. I read it years ago and re-read it regularly. I would say it's one of my favourite books. The film, however, was crap - who can imagine Michael Caine as Nicholas?

Thurlow · 22/08/2014 14:24

I made it through, and I remember reading it quite quickly because I wanted to know what was happening, but by the end I still didn't understand it.

Definitely made me feel thick Grin

Does anyone actually understand what went on in it? If so could you PM me (so as not to spoil it for the OP)?

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 22/08/2014 14:21

It not out, stupid phoneHmm

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 22/08/2014 14:20

Oh I love out and often read it every few years or so.
gave up on Donna Tart, awful books

BringMeTea · 22/08/2014 14:17

It is in my top 5. Love this book. Strangely not read any others. Think I will try The Collector.

PuppyMonkey · 22/08/2014 13:40

I quite liked it too. We had to do it for A level (back in 1980s).

IndridCold · 22/08/2014 13:23

I actually loved The Magus, and hated The French Lieutenant's Woman!

He re-wrote the Magus in the 1970s, and the original version is much better.

Cornishblues · 21/08/2014 21:14

And me - plodded through it thinking I'd see the light but never did! Loved French lieutenant's woman though frustrated by the ending(s).

pregnantpause · 21/08/2014 20:32

Dh loves it- he described it as suspenseful, brilliant , one of his favourite books!- I really struggled , I didn't enjoy it, and lied to him about my love for it for yearsShock

Outforanotherwalkbitch · 21/08/2014 20:27

I read it recently and loved it! it's best not to question the plot too much, just enjoy the madness

MakeMeJumpIntoTheAir · 21/08/2014 17:52

I read this when I was about 14, and it disturbed me. Can't really remember what it was about but I found it hard work.

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