Overall, what did you think of The Magician of Tiger Castle? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
I loved this book!! It really had me thinking about life and choices we make. The choices the characters make through the story and what they go through is really quite remarkable.
1 Like
I went into this book as a fan of the author. As his first adult book, I liked it, but I did not love it. I appreciated the thoughtful exploration of the effects of decisions we make. I think my sense of humor at times was not in sync with the author, which just means every book is not for everyone. But I did like it.
In all honesty, I read this over a month ago. When it came to joining this discussion, I realized I couldnāt remember much about the book. So I guess that would suggest that I did not find any lingering insights into the human condition that I hadnāt already know. I recall it was a fun read into a magical world and younger readers will enjoy it.
I really enjoyed this book. I have read comments stating things like āthe book read like a YA bookā, āthat there was nothing really to itā, āboringā, ānot enough about tigersā (that one made me laugh out loud). Yes, if you read this as a book based on reality then I understand these statements. But it is a FANTASY full of subtleties and nuances. Sachar wrote an ADULT book that will makes you wonder & reflect. If you need a book where the plot and characters are āspelledā out in detail with no finesse, then I would not recommend this book.
1 Like
I was not familiar with Sacharās previous works so could not draw any comparisons. However, I found The Magician of Tiger Castle absolutely hilarious. Part one resonates as a potential script outline for a tv series of Black Adder, with Anatole the magician playing the lead role, while part two comes across as a parody of Voltaireās Candide. All told, a very funny story. Searching for a deeper or profound, literary meaning in this comical romp may perhaps only disappoint.
I kept wondering if this was a kids book until I got to a few lewd words. It wasnāt something I would suggest or pick up. I didnāt like the main character so it was hard for me to like the journey he went on
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It was billed as an adult novel, but to me, it was YA at best. I guess thatās adult? I like to learn from the books I read, and I really didnāt learn anything from this book.
Interesting, Kay. I guess Iām one of those who didnāt find the nuance you found. Good for you.
I liked the book. I enjoyed all the characters and the story. Although a book for adults I am going to pass it on to my 14 year old granddaughter who is an avid reader.
As others have mentioned, overall I thought it still read like a YA book, despite it being billed as the authorās first adult book. I really enjoyed his other book, āHolesā, but I couldnāt get invested too much in the love story which I found inauthentic. I also thought the main character, Anatole, was supposed to be on the princessā side, but still had no issue drugging her to make her marry the prince, even though she was in love with Pito. Anatole was described as such a bumbling idiot, it was amazing the king even relied on him to accomplish this feat!
Personally, I enjoyed the reading this book in that present-day Anatole often reflects back to 1500ās role as a magician (not scientist). He credits his early discoveries as foundations to later medical advances/practices. Interesting some of the herbs he utilized in his magical practice are on our shelves today. The references to people Ponce de Leon made me smile.
I understand - there are books that people will rave about but I can barely finish (and sometimes donāt). Thatās what makes books/reading so wonderful - you read what āspeaksā to you.
I thought it was a decent YA book, although it was billed as an adult book. That said, it was not what I was expecting, and sometimes thatās nice. I liked the humor in it.
I requested this book for the following reason:
Louis Sachar visited my 3rd grade class in San Francisco in the early 90s. He was a shy, young author who really wanted my students to tell them what they thought of Sideways Stories from Wayside School. I had read the stories to them prior to his visit, and they were so excited to meet the author in person. They couldnāt stop asking him questions about the book and about his real life. Louis signed our copy before he left. For the next 15 years, I read this book to my class and the students always asked to borrow it throughout the year. When I retired the book was falling apart, but we had a drawing for those who wanted it as a keepsake.
I thought The Magician of Tiger Castle was really a YA novel. It was an enjoyable read, sprinkled with the same dry humor of Wayside School, but not particularly memorable. I read it over a month ago and agree with Kristine A about not remembering much. I am, however, very happy that Louis Sacharās book has been well received.
Enjoyed reading this princess fairy tale for adults! Very creative yet much light humor. Definitely a YA read too.
I always enjoyed middle-grade fantasies, but havenāt been able to find that pleasure or interest in the adult versions. An author who was part of a BookBrowse Q&A suggested that I try reading some cozy fantasies and see if I enjoy them, so that was why I specifically requested this book! It didnāt disappoint and was a nice break from more serious books, but I still canāt declare myself a fantasy fanatic!