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The Magus

By: John Fowles
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
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Publisher's Summary

John Fowles’ The Magus was a literary landmark of the 1960s. Nicholas Urfe goes to a Greek island to teach at a private school and becomes enmeshed in curious happenings at the home of a mysterious Greek recluse, Maurice Conchis. Are these events, involving attractive young English sisters, just psychological games, or an elaborate joke, or more? Reality shifts as the story unfolds.

The Magus reflected the issues of the 1960s perfectly, but even almost half a century after its first publication, it continues to create tension and concern, remaining the page-turner that it was when it was first released.

©1977 J. R. Fowles Ltd (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about The Magus

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Loved this

I read this many years ago long before audible in fact long before computers riled the world. It was a terrific story then and this time. Greece lovely Greece.

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1 person found this helpful

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Forty years on: The Magus

I first read this amazing story almost 40 years ago. It made a long lasting impression but in the time elapsed I found I had forgotten many things about the story.
Listening to Nicholas Boulton's brilliant rendition brought all the magic back.
Thoroughly recommended

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4 people found this helpful

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Clever. Unique. Enjoyable.

I thought it slow to begin but worth persevering. Intriguing carefully wrought characters. Excellent narration.

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1 person found this helpful

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Revisited after 45 years

I first discovered this book over 45 years ago. I read it with rapid enthusiasm . All along the initial journey I was thinking I understood and how clever was the author, the story and me. If my memory serves me correctly I reread it one more time with similar sentiments and conclusions.

Now as a much older person and having listened again to this wonderful reading I must acknowledge I might never fully comprehend the nuances of this story.

Fowles paints detailed verbal pictures . There is no brevity in any aspect of his use of words and yet I find myself compelled to keep listening and not put it aside to an easier read. I remained anxious even as the last paragraph was delivered.

Perhaps now in my seventh decade any insight gained is contained somewhere in the cameo character jo jo. Who asked so little and expected not much more than the dignity of being loved.

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1 person found this helpful

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A book like no other

I read this 20 years ago and never forgot it. I suspect it works on a psychological level. hard to describe but intriguing and exciting. I rate it a great performance also. Mystery meets male-female relationships. It sure gave my vocabulary a workout. The essence is: Be kind.

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  • Overall
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Truth behind the mask

Knitted together with astute clarity and knowledge of our world. Cannot recommend highly enough. The human being behind the mask isn't always terrifying.

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all round thoroughly enjoyable

great fantastic in all ways from start to finish. best book I have enjoyed reading or being read to in a while!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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What a journey!

Such a mind and heart game. I’ve never read anything like this. The main character is like the readers thoughts through a maze of collective and global deep philosophical, expert literary and moral conflicts. One of the best books I’ve ever read/heard.

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Brilliant

This, unlike so many of the >4 star reviews on audible, fills the 5th star to overflowing. I'm in my mid 40's and that it has maintained its standing over this time is testament to a piece of magnificent writing. Please read this book!

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  • Overall
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A bad book recommendation from ChatGPT

while the performance by the voice actor was fine. I hated the story just as much as I hated the main character. Utter rubbish!

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