The Princess Bride

by William Goldman
The Princess Bride cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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Format • £10.44
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4309
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780747545187
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 4

William Goldman's cult classic, 'The Princess Bride,' is a timeless story that blends adventure, romance, and fantasy. It's a tale that has enchanted readers with its witty dialogue, unforgettable characters, and a narrative that is as much fun to read as it is to imagine. The story is presented as an abridged version of a much larger work by S. Morgenstern, adding a unique layer of meta-narrative that enhances the reading experience./n/nThe novel follows the adventures of Westley, a poor farmhand, and Buttercup, his true love. Their story is filled with pirates, evil princes, and sorcerers, all set against the backdrop of a world that is both magical and perilous. The Princess Bride is not just a story of love and adventure; it's a celebration of storytelling itself, making it a beloved classic for readers of all ages.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · 2026-01-04
great 4.00

The characters are vivid and enjoyable, and the book-within-a-book format adds a unique layer to the story. It's a highly recommended read.

The Princess Bride is a book that truly comes to life through its vivid and enjoyable characters. The book-within-a-book format adds a unique layer to the story, making it a highly recommended read. The narrative style is engaging and keeps you hooked from start to finish. It's a story that's sure to leave a lasting impression and is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure.

Quick quotes

    I would highly recommend it.

    The characters are vivid and enjoyable, and I really enjoyed the book-within-a-book format.

    This book is slightly darker than the movie, but in most every way it is the same story.

Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-22
entertaining 4.50

The book is a captivating blend of humor, romance, and adventure, much like the film. It is a story that resonates deeply with readers, offering a mix of emotions and memorable moments.

This review highlights how The Princess Bride seamlessly blends various elements, from touching moments to humorous scenes, making it a story that gets under your skin. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance different tones, creating a rich and engaging narrative. They also note that, like the film, the book is one of those rare stories that stay with you long after you've finished reading. The reviewer enjoys the adventurous and romantic aspects, as well as the tragic and idealistic elements, which together make the book a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    Ranging from touching to humorous, adventurous to romantic, tragic to nobly idealistic, it — like the film — is one of those stories that gets under your skin ...

    It is a story that will appeal to a wide range of readers, offering something for everyone.

    The book's charm lies in its ability to balance different tones and genres, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply engaging.

MotherBookerBlog · 2024-03-04
delightful 4.20

The book is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captures the essence of true love and adventure. Goldman's unique approach adds a personal touch to the story.

The reviewer found the book to be a charming and heartwarming tale, appreciating Goldman's unique approach to storytelling. The narrative is engaging and full of adventure, with a strong focus on true love and romance. The reviewer also highlights how Goldman's personal touch adds depth and personality to the story, making it a delightful read. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the story is filled with humor and wit.

Quick quotes

    William Goldman admits that he has loved the story since childhood and wanted to present a version of the book that only includes the good bits.

    The narrative is engaging and full of adventure, with a strong focus on true love and romance.

    The reviewer also highlights how Goldman's personal touch adds depth and personality to the story, making it a delightful read.

Steph Huddleston · Steph Huddleston · 2019-11-15
fantastic 4.50

The book is charmingly funny, romantic, and action-packed. It's a cult classic that stands out as both a fantastic book and a beloved film.

Steph absolutely loved the book, praising its charming humor, romantic elements, and action-packed scenes. She highlights how the story effortlessly blends different genres, making it a delightful read. The characters are vivid and memorable, and the narrative is engaging and heartwarming. Steph also appreciates how the book complements the film, making it a cult classic that appeals to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    A cult classic movie and a fantastic book, Goldman's version of The Princess Bride is charmingly funny, romantic and action packed!

    The story effortlessly blends different genres, making it a delightful read.

    The characters are vivid and memorable, and the narrative is engaging and heartwarming.

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