Should I read 'The Magus'?

[Nikhar]

It's holidays for me and I finally have some reading time. I have already ordered 'The Shining' and 'It' (both of which though are taking a painfully long time to arrive). Anyways, I plan to order 'The Magus' too. However, I am hesitating a little for the following reason.

I have read that it's ending is not definite. And I absolutely detest when I don't know what finally happens to the characters. For example, I read Robert Cook's Coma...it was an excellent novel until the cliffhanger in the end where we don't know about Susan's fate. It spoiled the complete novel for me. I read another of Cook's novel again with a cliffhanger and I decided that I would never ever touch his novels again.

So, basically my question is, despite my hatred for indefinite ends..should I read 'The Magus'? Does the end actually enhance your opinion about the novel or did you feel let down by the climax?

I absolutely love psychological thrillers and really wanted to read the novel until I learned about the end and now I'm not too sure. Helppppp plz.

Oh another thing... sex wise...is it disturbing?

[Scheherazade]

Hi, Nikhar.

This is one of my favorite books; however, having said that, it might be a better idea maybe to start with some other books written by Fowles such as The Collector or French Lieutenant's Woman before diving into The Magus, which is, from my own point of view, more complex and demanding than others.

Here is a thread about The Magus, which might help you make up your mind:

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30185&highlight=magus

Enjoy your summer readings! :)

[TheFifthElement]

Ooh, The Collector is really good. So is The Magus, but The Collector is probably the easier read. Really, really creepy too.

[Nikhar]

Hi, Nikhar.

This is one of my favorite books; however, having said that, it might be a better idea maybe to start with some other books written by Fowles such as The Collector or French Lieutenant's Woman before diving into The Magus, which is, from my own point of view, more complex and demanding than others.

Here is a thread about The Magus, which might help you make up your mind:

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30185&highlight=magus

Enjoy your summer readings! :)

Thanks Scher. As a matter of fact the first time I read/heard about the book was in that thread. I read your review, then wikied it and was really intrigued.
When you say, more complex and demanding, what is it that you exactly mean? And which genre do 'The Collector' and 'The French Lieutenant' belong to?


Ooh, The Collector is really good. So is The Magus, but The Collector is probably the easier read. Really, really creepy too.

Easier read? Please elaborate...

And yeah, what about the climax? Is it disappointing?

Edit:- Oh and just checked... the website from which I order books doesn't have 'The Collector' available.

[Dark Muse]

Yes! Everyone should read The Magus! I absolutely loved this book! It is one of my all time favorites and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it and I definitely did not find the ending to be anti-climatic, or disappointing and I can go either way on indefinite endings. Sometimes I think they really can enhance the reading experience, and I myself like at times to be left wondering, but there are other occasions where I feel that it just leaves the book with the feeling of having done nowhere.

[TheFifthElement]

Easier read? Please elaborate...

And yeah, what about the climax? Is it disappointing?

Edit:- Oh and just checked... the website from which I order books doesn't have 'The Collector' available.
Bummer :( The Collector is a much more straightforward narrative, which makes it easier to read and follow than The Magus, though perhaps The Magus is the more rewarding read. The Collector is split into two parts, one narrated by the 'collector' (kidnapper) and the other narrated by the 'collected' (his victim). It's an interesting read and quite chilling, especially the collector's part. It's a shame you can't get hold of it.

The ending of The Magus didn't disappoint me, but I think it's a very individual response so whether it would disappoint you is probably going to be very much down to you. I kind of like books that leave you with some gaps, that don't lay everything out for you as a reader, so in a sense it quite appeals to me in that respect. But that doesn't work for everyone, as you've said.

Damn, I want to read The Magus now :D

[Nikhar]

Thanks Scher, DarkMuse, FifthElement... after all you said and the reviews on amazon...I finally ordered it...cant wait to get hands on it.... though promise me guys...that you'll help me if I encounter problems while reading it (which I sure will :p)...

[Nikhar]

Received my copy of 'The Magus' today! :D