Book Summary and Reviews of The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar

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Shawna (TX)

As Expected Sachar is Delightful
Having loved Louis Sachar's young adult work, I was intrigued by a novel written for adults. His writing is as delightful as ever. Events in my life are currently stressful, and this book was a much-needed escape from reality. Anyone who enjoys Louis Sachar's writing, an escape from reality, or something different from typical adult fiction will enjoy this. Book clubs that don't typically read fantasy would enjoy discussing this book. Put it on your list to be read!

Ann B. (Kernville, CA)

A captivating and whimsical fairytale for grownups
Louis Sachar's Holes introduced us to yellow-spotted lizards, a symbol of the dangers of Camp Green Lake. In The Magician of Tiger Castle, there's a captive tiger, symbol of royalty and power. In the decaying kingdom of Escaveta, where our narrator, the magician Anatole, plies his craft, it is fitting that those noble cats are confined in the castle moat. Because all the characters in this adult fairytale are captives in one sense or another.

Whether or not you've read any of Sachar's other books, you will likely be charmed by his distinct voice. This, his first adult novel, delves into themes of love, loyalty, and personal choice. His characters are funny, their drives and motives complex yet relatable. Blessed/cursed with magical longevity, Anatole the magician is a delightfully reflective narrator -- admittedly flawed, but impossible not to care for deeply as he relates his tale from the Renaissance era to present-day. Magicians, potions, princesses, court intrigue, tigers, moats, monks, mice, and cappuccino. This has so many expected ingredients of a classic fairytale. But it's the unexpected wit and wisdom of this tale that make it such a compulsively readable novel.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and BookBrowse for an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy and share my opinion of this book.

Jamie K. (Berkeley, CA)

Love is the Best Magic
The Magician of Tiger Castle is Sachar's first book for adults, but you don't need a driver's license to enjoy it.

This magical adventure is a present-day fairytale of forbidden love—told in the past—through the eyes of a centuries-old magician, Anatole. Anatole has a problem: Princess Tuillia is in love—not with the rich, nasty neighboring prince she is betrothed to—but with a lowly apprentice scribe. The king's solution? Have Anatole create an anti-love potion to save the kingdom from bankruptcy and shatter the young lovers' hopes for happiness. On the eve of her marriage, the plucky princess goes on the lam with Anatole and the scribe, leaving the unmarried prince a changed man.

With the world in disarray, The Magician of Tiger Castle is the escape I needed. Sachar is an irresistible storyteller, weaving his story as he seemlessly travels between present-day Anatole sipping a cappuccino and castle-magician Anatole concocting a potion. I had so much fun with this tale that I'm heading back to Sachar's earlier books to experience the magic all over again.

Debra F. (Cudjoe Key, FL)

It's Magic
The Magician of Tiger Castle
Louis Sachar
I always enjoy when a children's/young adult author does the crossover to adult fiction. They always seem to get the right amount of whimsy with complex situations, and this was no exception!

I love stories about magic, it was there; stories with darkness and light. Unique & endearing characters, just enough cleverness and humor and a story that kept me turning the pages!

Bravo Louis Sachar! I hope he will continue to entertain and delight us adults who love fairy tales!

Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)

Louis Sacher's Adult Debut
It's been years since I read Holes but Louis Sacher's "voice" was immediately and pleasantly apparent in this lovely adult fiction book. The characters were funny and touching all at the same time and utterly relatable. If you loved The Princess Bride you will love this book too. It shares the same combination of wit and poignancy. Highly recommend.

Mary S. (Bow, NH)

Sachar writes another great one!
I was so excited to learn that Louis Sachar wrote a book for adults (he's usually a YA author) and he did not disappoint this reader. His storytelling and character development are second to none. You will fall in love with the magician and his life story.

The chapters in this book are short, but each one is poignant or pithy and carries you along on Sachar's journey. The story line takes just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed but not so much that you have go back and look to see if you've missed anything. I can't wait to share this book with friends and family.

...7 more reader reviews

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