Anyone who lived through the 1980s may find it impossible—inconceivable, even—to equate The Princess Bride with anything other than the sweet, celluloid romance of Westley and Buttercup, but the film is only a fraction of the ingenious storytelling you’ll find in these pages. Rich in character and satire, the novel is set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old … centuries-old tale set in the fabled country of Florin that’s home to “Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passions.”
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I enjoyed the book more than the movie. I made me laugh an I loved the caracter portrails of flawed characters you still liked
Hilarious. So many words, characters, and phrases have entered our vocabulary through it.
Outside of Jane Austen books, this is my favorite book ever. Hilarious, smart and wonderfully written.
A classic favorite.
A gem of a story for all ages!
Somewhat difficult to read. One case where the movie was better than the book.
This is one of our family’s favorite stories.
I read this book years ago before the movie was made. The story of the Dread Pirate and Buttercup is great, but I also loved the relationship between the boy and his grandpa — the grandpa reading to him while the boy was sick was so sweet and I loved how grandpa led him into the adventure and got him hooked on it even though there was ‘kissing …
I first read this book in high school, long before the movie came out. The movie is how most people know this book but you’re really missing out if you haven’t read the book.
A classic, even better than the movie. So many quotable lines.
I need to read it again… soon
I grew up watching The Princess Bride movie over and over again with my family. But when I [finally] got my hands on book, the movie was left in the dust.
Don’t read this book while in public, because casual passers may label you as crazy when they see you sitting alone and laughing your head off for no apparent reason. And whatever you do – don’t …
One of the most original fantasy novels ever written. The modern world can be divided into two parts: those that have read “Princess Bride,” and those that should read it.
Absolutely hilarious. A true classic. Bit meaty at times but it’s got sardonic prose packed in expertly. Not to mention, the prologue and epilogue are both great and expand the premise. Read it to your kids or just for fun.
I honestly liked the movie a lot better and would recommend that instead of the book.
A unique approach to storytelling from the author’s point of view. Excellent characters and funny throughout.
Possibly one of the funniest books ever written, with a genius premise and great characters.
While the movie is what most people think of when you say The Princess Bride, the book has always been my all time favorite. The character development alone is amazing. While there are some parts from the original that I wish was in the William Goldman version I still absolutely love this story and can never put it down once I start.
My kids got me to read this because they loved the film
Love it! It’s a great and traditional fairytale … with a twist.