Instant review: as good as the movie. Inconceivable!

Embark on a nail-biting adventure through shark* infested waters, scale sheer cliffs, enter the Fire Swamp if you dare…William Golding’s book, which he later adapted into the screenplay for the movie, is a highly entertaining read. Highly recommended.

For: anyone who enjoyed The Princess Bride (movie) and wanted a little bit more background (especially Inigo’s story); readers who enjoy swashbuckling adventure, giants, and hearing “to the death!” a lot.

You might also like: Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett

Not for: viewers who really liked the movie and that’s enough for them; people who would read the book OR watch the movie, but not both (just watch the movie); readers who are ‘put off’ an entire book because of a racial slur (at Inigo at that!); people who object to women’s value being conflated with their physical beauty.

416 pages; ISBN 9780747545187; 1973. Keep track of your reading list (and your life) with a perpetual digital organiser from New Shoots Planners. Inspired by bullet journalling, this is an easy-to-use digital organiser on Google Sheets that will help you get a handle on your busy life, track your progress and reach your goals.

*that’s right, there are differences between the book and the movie!