The Magus

By: John Fowles

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Length: 26 hrs and 19 mins

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

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

What a downer!

I very much looked forward to rereading The Magus. I read it for the first time during what I have often described as “the best week of my life”. I remember reading it to be a wonderful experience. Perhaps I was not able to recall reality.

It was 1970 and I was a Marine lieutenant in Vietnam. For some reason I thought someone was trying to kill me. I was sent to the hospital ship USS Hope with incipient ulcers. I spent a week undergoing tests while we cruised the South China Sea. I was medicated with Valium. I slept like a baby and read The Magus during every waking hour. I was enthralled.

I was discharged from the hospital and sent back to my same assignment as an artillery forward observer with an infantry company. I never had another symptom.

I have told the story of “the best week of my life” many times. I own a first edition inscribed by John Fowles.

Fifty years later I decided to reread/listen to The Magus. I did not remember a word. This time I had the benefit of having traveled to London, Greece and other locations in the book many times. The closest I have been to Spetses, the inspiration for Phraxos, is Nafplio, which is often mentioned in the book. It helps, but...

I was disappointed and disillusioned and my “memory” has been shattered. While “well written”, the book is a slog. When it ended I felt empty. I have seen other reviews which say this book is for young adults not seasoned citizens. Maybe. On the other hand it might have been the Valium more than the literature I admired.

Great narrator annoying protagonist

Although this story takes place in a beautiful setting and has an interesting story plot the main character is annoying, self centered, womanizing, racist and kind of pathetic. The author intends this, of course, because it illustrates his point. You see this blatantly in the trial scene, where the main character is forced to listen to a psychological analysis of himself. The narrator did a fantastic reading of this book, but it is a long time to spend with such an annoying main character.

Almost liked it

Ugh. What even happened? Interesting at times but felt underwhelming. Main character is awful but I guess he’s supposed to be

Magnificent!

Perfect combination of great writer, great story, and great narrator. This was my third time round with this book and I enjoyed more than ever. I read it in my youth, middle age and now in old age. This latest reading (listening) is by far the best experience. It’s a long story but my interest never flagged for a moment. It’s a classic.

Brilliant book, incomparable reading

Where does The Magus rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

First.

What other book might you compare The Magus to and why?

"The Magus" is something in itself. I think Fowles used to express his admiration for "Le Grand Meaulnes", which I read decades ago and can't remember (oi). Have bought the Audible version, though, and still need to listen to it. Perhaps a reading of Fowles's "The Aristos" (his second book, published two years before "The Magus"), might not be a bad idea in preparation for "Magus".

Have you listened to any of Nicholas Boulton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not yet, but looking at his other readings. Incidentally, he is particularly good at reading female voices. In some other audiobooks (e.g. two versions of "The Alexandria Quartet") the male readers would have done better in keeping to a more normal pitch.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are several brilliant moments and parts, but the scene in which Conchis hypnotises Nicholas was particularly masterfully done. Boulton's reading makes one aware of something magical, "metaphysical", totally illusory, and irresistible. Perhaps fatal, too. The reading achieves what the printed word can't do quite as well: mesmerise the listener.

Any additional comments?

Boulton's reading made me aware of many things that I missed in my own readings of "The Magus". For me, his reading made this book shimmer all the more.

Flawless reading of a masterpiece

Any additional comments?

The narrator has a remarkable gift for accents, pacing and atmosphere. Highly recommended. This is the best reading I've heard in a long time.

Never ending twists and turns

The narrator was capanle of bringing authenticity to all save maybe one character. This reminds me to sample all similar novels for the narration is essential to the enjoyment.

Superb reading

Fowles’ novel is sophisticated and complex. Nicholas Boulton is an ideal reader, with a beautiful Jeremy Irons-like voice. There are frequent passages in which a speaker in the novel has a foreign or dialect accent, as well as passages directly citing other languages, particularly French. Boulton reads all of these with great mastery. Along with all this technical skill, he fathoms the nuances of meaning with great intelligence , particularly Fowles’ pervasive irony. Based on his rendering of “The Magus,” I’m going to look for other books read by this consummate artist.

I love this book, it stays with you for years but.

I read this book 25 years ago and just got around to hearing it on Audible... It holds up but I remember now that the end somewhat fizzles out......

Amazing

This was a really great book. The narrator was really good and I would highly recommend