The Princess Bride

William Goldman's cult classic fairy tale is funny, entertaining, suspenseful and epic. The plot is full of twists, turns, loops and links. A true roller coaster ride where every page is either a sharp turn, steep descent or gut sinking climbs. There are few plateaus to take a breath on and just when you think you know what is happening it's all flipped on it's head.

The pages are filled with high adventure, beautiful ladies, greatest swordsmen, pirates, poisons, potions, giants, exotic beasts, true love and vengeful hate. Westley, a farm boy departs his village to make his fortune and prove his worth leaving Buttercup (the most beautiful lady in the world) to await his return, vowing to never love another. However she receives word that his ship has been seized by the Dread Pirate Roberts and believes Westley dead. Her heart is broken and soon succumbs to the charms of Prince Humperdink. So begins this modern fairy tale, which draws from Don Quixote, Robin Hood, Manzoni's The Betrothed and the Grimm brother's tales, giving them a fresh satirical twist.

Goldman uses all the old motif's through his novel but always adds strange spin to keep you guessing. His characters are layered and Goldman explores them in great detail with relevant background to explain their motivations which turn the villainous into heroes. Even the simple Fezzik, a dim witted giant soon becomes as a deep as he is large.

Definitely a must read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales. This book shows how old genres can be refreshed for modern audiences. With an anti-establishment sub text cloaked in whimsical situations and witty dialogue, Goldman will have you thinking as well as grinning but more importantly flipping pages so fast your wrist will hurt. I don't remember wanting to know what would happen next ever more than while reading this book.