The Magician

It seems like I am on a roll with some really fabulous books to read.  Just finished W. Somerset Maugham’s book The Magician, written in his early years as a writer but not released until he re-wrote it many years later.  It is actually written using a person who claimed to be a magician whom Maugham knew.  The story focuses on how two people, Arthur and Margaret become separated by the “forces” of a visiting “sorcerer of sorts,” Oliver Haddo.  Haddo, an obese and menacing man, meets the two through a mutual friend (Dr. Porhoet) and during a very unfortunate interaction turns his hatred toward Arthur, promising to make him “pay” for the scuffle they get into.  Haddo gets back at Arthur by placing a “spell” upon his fiancée which “forces” her to leave Arthur the day of their wedding after Haddo places Margaret in some type of trance two months prior.  The worst part of Margaret’s departure is that she leaves to marry Haddo!!!  There must be a spell, huh?  Imagine this beautiful woman marrying the obese and hated Haddo.  There is much more to the story, including Margaret’s friend Susie, whom she lived with and whom also loves Arthur and tries to help him along the way.  After Margaret’s sudden departure, Arthur, Susie, and Dr. Porhoet come to the conclusion that Margaret must have a spell upon her.  But does she?  How will the three “musketeers” find Margaret and have her escape before Haddo does something evil?  How could someone so evil like Haddo be able to get away with this magic?  Well I won’t ruin it for you, but know this story is ahead of its time.  Could easily be a movie of the week.  Great suspense.  Sometimes books don’t always end as they should….  Go read this quick, short book.  I thoroughly enjoyed!