kelly_'s reviews
230 reviews

This is the edited version of the book and contains just the “good bits” as per William Goldman’s preferences/based on the story his dad read to him over and over.

It is the book from which he adapted the screenplay.

There has been criticism of the book, which is fair to some extent. Namely the details around Florinese culture and locations, given Goldman had very little knowledge of it despite his dad’s history, so he just took out what he felt were long, boring descriptions. 

What I liked about this 25th anniversary edition is the revised introduction and editor notes so we understand the decisions he made at the time, including a passage at the end where he talks about Stephen King being approached to adapt Buttercup’s Baby because he has family ties to Florin and visited regularly. 

Villains aren’t at all developed/barely there. The characters, their histories/motivations etc are only gently touched on. Not much around the mythology of this world.

Generally though, it’s a quick and easy read aimed at children/young adults with a dash of magic/supernatural.