Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked Greek island, 'The Magus' follows Nicholas Urfe, a disillusioned Englishman seeking purpose in life. His mundane existence is disrupted when he encounters the enigmatic Maurice Conchis, who introduces him to a world of psychological manipulation and mind games. As Nicholas becomes entangled in Conchis's strange and elaborate schemes, he grapples with his own identity and desires. The novel weaves themes of illusion, reality, and existentialism, leading to a shocking climax that challenges everything he thought he knew. Will Nicholas uncover the truth, or will he remain trapped in the seductive web of the Magus?
By John Fowles
Published: 2001
""The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast.""
The Magus is the story of Nicholas Urfe, a young Englishman who accepts a teaching assignment on a remote Greek island. There his friendship with a local millionaire evolves into a deadly game, one in which reality and fantasy are deliberately manipulated, and Nicholas must fight for his sanity and his very survival.
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“"The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast."”
The Magus
By John Fowles
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
John Fowles (1926-2005) was an acclaimed English novelist, best known for his influential works that explored existential themes, individuality, and the complexities of human relationships. His notable novels include 'The Collector' (1963), which examines obsession and power dynamics, 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' (1969), a historical fiction that blends Victorian sensibilities with modern narrative techniques, and 'Daniel Martin' (1977), which delves into the struggles of a writer's life. Fowles' writing is characterized by its intricate plots, rich character development, and philosophical undertones, often challenging traditional narrative forms and engaging with the reader's perceptions of reality.
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