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r_j_setser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
After growing up with the movie and still watching it several times a year, quoting "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife" quite often to my husband, and randomly exclaiming "Anyone want a peanut?" throughout my days; I've finally read the book. And I can't believe that it took me so long to do so.
This is a work of satirical art and I haven't laughed this hard at a book in I don't even know how long. That being said, do not take this book seriously. You can't, or you'll walk away from it deeply offended and irritated. I've never had a work of fiction make me question my reality, but here we are. I won't include spoilers in case you'd like to experience the brilliance of Goldman's 25th and 30th anniversary introductions for yourself, but just know: he got me.
The Princess Bride is meant to be read aloud and I want to immediately start it with my husband. That being said, however, there were a few things that would make me hesitant to read aloud to kids without interjecting (as Goldman's father often did with him). The main thing being how often Buttercup gets slapped and it being okay. Once again, this is satire and it is humorously exaggerating the toxic masculinity and helpless femininity tropes and I believe it's supposed to make you uncomfortable (because that's what satire does), but as I mentioned earlier if you take it seriously, you will walk away from this book offended.
Overall, this is a book that any lover of the movie needs to experience at least once! I wasn't expecting the book to be too vastly different from the movie, but it is. They are each works of art and I can't say that either is "better" than the other. If you love the movie, you also need to read the book, but only because there is more to the story than you could possibly imagine! As it is, this book is so unique and unlike any other (that comes to my mind) that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars, but I do recommend it with caution: you need to understand satire.
Content warnings: Cursing: one use of "SOB" and occasional minor words. No gore, very minor action. And only a couple mention of kisses. Other warnings would include some intense nightmares, animal cruelty, and various discriminations.
Moderate: Torture, Body shaming, Bullying, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Minor: Child death and Suicide
bearystarry's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
At least when he shuts the hell up the actual story is sometimes thrilling and interesting and romantic. But the sexism especially creeps into the main narrative as well, unfortunately. I definitely think the movie is better in most ways, but mainly in the framing device. Would've been awful to see some weirdo middle-aged man trying to cheat on his wife in LA instead of a child sick in bed listening to his lovely grandfather read him a story. Also was very surprised to read a racial slur. Extremely weird.
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Torture, Racial slurs, Fatphobia, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Body shaming, Pregnancy, Ableism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Medical trauma, Confinement, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Transphobia, and Animal death
Minor: Animal cruelty
denisa13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexism, Racism, Body shaming, and Misogyny
jem_carstairs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Violence, Death, Torture, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Misogyny
Minor: Antisemitism and Pregnancy
abbyluvsfrogs444's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Bottom line: THE MOVIE IS BETTER!
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Torture, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Gore, Kidnapping, and Misogyny
Moderate: Body shaming, Classism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexism, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Fatphobia, and Grief
meeswa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Minor: Body shaming
rgraham's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pregnancy, Violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Blood, Body shaming, Torture, Ableism, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
marleens's review against another edition
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexism, and Body shaming
northernbookfox's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Fatphobia, Torture, and Body shaming
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Alcoholism, and Suicidal thoughts
kerttuli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Torture, Body shaming, Violence, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Sexism
Minor: Toxic relationship and Death