The Magus

[chopinbabe]

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?

Read it years ago, can't really remember it, like you found it hard work.
Have you read The French Lieutenant's Woman or The Ivory Tower? Both brilliant.

No, I haven't tried them yet. This was given to me by a friend but I seem to be wading through it as if it were treacle,

So glad though that I am not the only person in the world who had found it hard going. I couldn't put 'The Collector' down, so I happily and foolishly accepted her offer of 'The Magus'.

It made me feel really thick, I still have it somewhere but even if I am desperate I never pick it up and think oh I'll give it another whirl. He is an excellent writer, but he lost me on the Magus.

Pretentious to say the least. I was going out with an older guy who lent me this. I did read it but didn't really get it at the time. He spent many hours explaining it gleefully to he. I read it afew years later and it kind of fell into place. Mind you he lent me that Donna Tartt book years later this time I could no longer pretend. I hated it.

I've just found Bookrags!

"wading through treacle" is pretty much my experience too.

I 'waded through' years ago and I'm pretty certain the ending was a big baffling letdown. Er, that could just cos I was v dense!

If it is because you are dense, then you're in good company

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.

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

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 years

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).

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.

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

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

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

It not out, stupid phone

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

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

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?

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!,

Thanks bringmetea

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

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

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.

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.