Conjurer novels

hgc · 22nd September 2003, 03:19 PM

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 · 23rd September 2003, 04:45 AM

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

hgc · 23rd September 2003, 07:35 AM

Quote:

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.

22nd September 2003, 03:19 PM	#1
hgc Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8,771	Conjurer novels 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.
hgc Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8,771

23rd September 2003, 04:45 AM	#2
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,926	I loved Carter Beats the Devil. Haven't read the other.
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,926

23rd September 2003, 07:35 AM	#3
hgc Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8,771	Quote: 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.
hgc Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8,771