Bonnie W. (creditfairy) reviewed Clever on 9/28/2008

Helpful Score: 4

When I first read this, I was under the impression that this really was an abridgment, that there was an S Morgenstern and perhaps even a Florin or Guilder at some point in history. I was annoyed by the author commentary initially...thinking "just get on with the story...you're ruining it." Reading it again with the knowledge that S Morgenstern is one of William Goldmans pen names, his father never read it to him because it never existed, and all the snide asides he made throughout the book were not to belittle the original author but rather add to the comedy and satire...I'm glad it was left in! The asides are proof that writers have wayyyy too much time on their hands, but it was so creatively and convincingly done that many people (myself not excluded) finish the book believing every word about the history of Florin and "the original text". The Princess Bride is a very clever little book...it makes mention that it's for children, but I don't buy that. Better than the movie of course, but the movie is surprisingly faithful...there were only a few bits in the book that didn't make the movie that I missed. This book is a good little bit of escapism...the author is a self indulgent but brilliant man. Highest recommendations to anyone looking for lighter fare and a good laugh.

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