30 May Book Review: The Prestige by Christopher Priest

You know that feeling when you watch a magic trick and you’re dying to know how it’s done? That’s exactly how I felt diving into The Prestige by Christopher Priest. I picked up this book because I’m a sucker for stories about rivalries and the lengths people will go to outdo each other. Plus, the whole magician angle set in the Victorian era? Count me in. I remember as a kid being mesmerized by magic shows, always trying (and failing) to figure out the secrets behind the illusions. This book promised to peel back that curtain.

What’s it about?

Set in the late 19th century, The Prestige chronicles the intense rivalry between two English stage magicians: Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier. Their feud begins with a tragic accident during a performance, leading to a lifelong obsession with surpassing one another.

Alfred Borden, known for his meticulous and innovative tricks, develops a sensational illusion called “The Transported Man,” where he appears to teleport across the stage instantaneously. The secret? Borden is actually a pair of identical twins living a single life as one person. They meticulously share every aspect of their existence, including their career and personal relationships, to maintain the illusion. This dedication leads to profound personal sacrifices, notably straining their relationships, especially with Borden’s wife, Sarah, who becomes increasingly distressed by her husband’s inconsistent behavior, ultimately leading to her tragic suicide.

Rupert Angier, a charismatic and ambitious performer, becomes obsessed with uncovering Borden’s secret. His pursuit leads him to the renowned inventor Nikola Tesla in Colorado Springs. Tesla constructs a machine intended to facilitate teleportation. However, the device inadvertently creates a duplicate of anything placed inside it. Embracing this unintended effect, Angier incorporates the machine into his act, “In a Flash,” where each performance results in the creation of a duplicate Angier. To maintain the illusion and secrecy, the original Angier drowns in a water tank beneath the stage, while the duplicate continues the performance, leading to a series of moral and existential dilemmas.

The narrative unfolds through the diaries of both magicians, offering contrasting perspectives on their rivalry, ambitions, and the personal costs of their obsessions. These historical accounts are framed by a present-day storyline involving their descendants, Andrew Westley (born Nicholas Borden) and Kate Angier, who seek to unravel the mysteries left by their ancestors. Their investigations reveal the profound and tragic consequences of the magicians’ feud, impacting generations beyond their own.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into The Prestige was like stepping into a hall of mirrors—every revelation led to another layer of intrigue.

Character Dynamics

The portrayal of Borden and Angier is compelling. Their mutual obsession drives the narrative, showcasing how ambition can lead to self-destruction. The dual perspectives provided by their diaries offer a deep dive into their psyches, making their rivalry feel personal and, at times, uncomfortably intimate.

Themes of Obsession and Sacrifice

The novel delves deep into the costs of obsession. Borden’s and Angier’s relentless pursuits not only consume their own lives but also devastate those around them. The sacrifices they make for their art raise questions about the price of greatness and whether it’s worth the collateral damage.

Narrative Structure

The use of multiple viewpoints, especially through diary entries, adds layers to the storytelling. It creates a sense of intimacy but also leaves room for ambiguity, making readers question the reliability of each narrator. This structure enhances the novel’s central theme of illusion versus reality.

Atmospheric Setting

Priest’s depiction of Victorian England is immersive. The era’s fascination with science and the supernatural serves as a fitting backdrop for the magicians’ exploits. The inclusion of historical figures like Nikola Tesla grounds the story, adding a touch of realism to the fantastical elements.

Final Thoughts

The Prestige is a masterfully woven tale that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, obsession and passion. It’s a haunting exploration of the lengths individuals will go to achieve greatness and the shadows they cast in the process. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
  A richly detailed narrative about two rival magicians in 19th-century England, exploring themes of power, ambition, and the supernatural.
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  A mesmerizing tale of two illusionists locked in a lifelong competition, set against the backdrop of a magical, wandering circus.
• Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold
  A historical novel following a magician in the early 20th century, blending real events with fiction, and delving into the world of stage magic and intrigue.