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HelpMy "Review"
in reply to a message by Billina
The book is a bit different animal in that it encompasses a lot more than does the focus of the film. I found it unexpectedly surprising, grin-inducing, jaw-dropping, a bit mind-warping and, at the same time, every bit as endearing, humorous, witty and fun as is the film. William Goldman wrote both the book and screenplay so this makes sense. By the way, Goldman also wrote the screenplays for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and Stephen King's "Misery", among many others.
It's been a long while since I read it so forgive me if I get a few details mixed up but here's the gist...
The book is written as if Florin is real. William Goldman has been hired by the heirs of the Morgenstern Estate to edit the important, scholarly and extremely lengthy history of Florin, compiled by historian S. Morgenstern, into a more digestible version for the masses, so to speak. Goldman travels to Florin as part of his preparation and research for the project. He shares with the reader various details of his personal life during his work on the project, including some major family drama surrounding his wife and son, and drama between himself and his publisher. He creates an edited history of Florin, focused on "the good parts", namely Morgenstern's historical account of Westley, Buttercup and company. The Morgenstern family is highly displeased; Goldman gets kicked off the next part of the project; Stephen King is chosen to take over; Goldman and King have a long discussion about how badly Goldman has messed this up.
Thus, not only do you have the rollicking good adventure story of Westley, etc. translated fairly faithfully from book to film (allowing for time, budget, technology, etc.) but you have this elaborate account of how "the good parts" version of Morgenstern's history came to be and, bonus, what I presume must be the best "literary prank" upon an author's readership in history. I won't spoil all the details for you but suffice to say that Goldman fooled enough of his readers that his publisher was forced to create a disclaimer.
You get a much fuller feel of Goldman's personality and sense of humor from reading the book than can be gleaned from the film. If ever I meet William Goldman, I shall feel forced kiss him, shake him to bits, then kiss him again.
If the above doesn't motivate you to open this book, I don't know what will. :)
It's been a long while since I read it so forgive me if I get a few details mixed up but here's the gist...
The book is written as if Florin is real. William Goldman has been hired by the heirs of the Morgenstern Estate to edit the important, scholarly and extremely lengthy history of Florin, compiled by historian S. Morgenstern, into a more digestible version for the masses, so to speak. Goldman travels to Florin as part of his preparation and research for the project. He shares with the reader various details of his personal life during his work on the project, including some major family drama surrounding his wife and son, and drama between himself and his publisher. He creates an edited history of Florin, focused on "the good parts", namely Morgenstern's historical account of Westley, Buttercup and company. The Morgenstern family is highly displeased; Goldman gets kicked off the next part of the project; Stephen King is chosen to take over; Goldman and King have a long discussion about how badly Goldman has messed this up.
Thus, not only do you have the rollicking good adventure story of Westley, etc. translated fairly faithfully from book to film (allowing for time, budget, technology, etc.) but you have this elaborate account of how "the good parts" version of Morgenstern's history came to be and, bonus, what I presume must be the best "literary prank" upon an author's readership in history. I won't spoil all the details for you but suffice to say that Goldman fooled enough of his readers that his publisher was forced to create a disclaimer.
You get a much fuller feel of Goldman's personality and sense of humor from reading the book than can be gleaned from the film. If ever I meet William Goldman, I shall feel forced kiss him, shake him to bits, then kiss him again.
If the above doesn't motivate you to open this book, I don't know what will. :)
This message was edited 6/28/2015, 12:30 PM
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