Summer Reading Book Review - The Magicians, by Lev Grossman

As a college student whose childhood was shaped by the wonder of Harry Potter, Narnia, and Tolkien, Lev Grossman wrote just the book for me. The Magicians tells the story of Quentin, an incredibly bright high-school senior, likely headed for the Ivy Leagues and yet still deeply unhappy with his life. Quentin, like most of his friends, grew up reading stories of Fillory - a land that carries deep shades of Narnia. Yet, he believed that it was just this, a childhood tale of fantasy - his own brand of magic was simple palm and card tricks (or so he thought). Moments after he is scheduled for his Princeton interview Quentin finds himself sitting for the entrance exam at Brakebills School for Magic in upstate New York.

What sets Grossman apart from the countless Harry Potter spinoffs is his touch for realism. There is no Voldemort or great evil to be fought in a land inhabited by knowing magicians. Upon graduation Brakebills students head out in the real world of today - there is a Ministry of Magic. In Grossman's estimation magic is less fantasy and wonder and more hard work and discontentment. As college-aged kids Brakebill's students struggle in a realistic and stirring way with the difficulties of growing up - love, sex, drugs and general listlessness are common themes.

In removing the stark contrasts of good and evil that overlay most novels of this genre Grossman leaves a grey area where magicians have the same murky morals and a persistent sense that the grass is greener somewhere else. Adventures and human conflict abound and Grossman leaves himself an ending ripe for a sequel. This was the one part of Grossman's novel that left me wanting - the end seemed to leave threads hanging that I felt should have been tied more tightly. Don't let that steer you away from this great fresh new novel, however, it truly is a great read.


Reviewed by Meg Evans