The best magic tricks mix anticipation with the flash of brilliance that astounds your eyes. You can not help but try to figure out the method for yourself. The truth is not as interesting as the fiction. If that were the case, the magician would be a lonely soul.
In The Prestige by Christopher Priest, the truth is stranger than the fiction for two dueling magicians. The cruel obsession with magic and revenge threatens the lives and families of Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier. Descendants of Borden and Angier pore through the memoirs of
the successful magicians to uncover mysteries planted firmly up their sleeves.
Priest's story is a fast-paced, dramatic page-turner. Just when the secret is to be revealed, a new twist takes the story to fresh heights. Everything leads to the furious ending and, "in a flash," it is over.
The Prestige is a classic novel for the 21st century. The cinematic quality adds enough twists and turns to keep any reader entertained and engaged throughout.
The book will receive a much deserved review thanks to the film by Christopher Nolan. As usual, the book is far superior, except in its portrayal of Alfred Borden. To protect Borden's mystery, much of his "memoir" is cryptic and passive.
Alternately, Angier's writing is detailed. Facts, numbers and dates round out his rather simple views on magic.
Obsession fuels these two magicians to race to the pinnacle of their field, and ultimately, their demise. It is an undeniable ride, worthy of several returns.