Conjurer novels

[hgc]

Over the last few years, I have read two excellent novels about magicians/escape artists.

They are The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Michael Chabon, which also won the Pulitzer and is being made into a movie; and Carter Beats the Devil, by Glen David Gold.

I never previously had any interest in magic or escape, but these books have really piqued by interest. They describe in detail how their characters became interested in a learned their trade, etc (without revealing secrets).

Have any of you magic folk had the pleasure of reading either of these books? I'd be curious to know what you thought.

[Garrette]

I loved Carter Beats the Devil. Haven't read the other.

[hgc]

Originally posted by Garrette
I loved Carter Beats the Devil. Haven't read the other. You should check it out. The scenes, early in the book, where Kavalier is learning escape in Prague from an old master are quite entertaining. For his first lesson, he goes to the old gent's apartment, where he is promptly locked in a trunk, and left there for many hours -- just to get used to confinement.