The Princess Bride Book Summary

by William Goldman112

TL;DR

A whimsical fairytale involving true love, revenge, and adventure, 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman follows the romance of Buttercup and Westley amidst a backdrop of deceit and peril.

What is The Princess Bride about

'The Princess Bride' is a unique fairytale that intertwines adventure, romance, and satire. It narrates the story of Buttercup, who falls deeply in love with a farm boy named Westley. When Westley leaves to seek his fortune and is reportedly killed by the infamous Dread Pirate Roberts, Buttercup's heart shatters. Unwillingly, she becomes engaged to the evil Prince Humperdinck. The tale is filled with fencing, fighting, and fantastical elements, creating a comedic yet touching narrative. William Goldman's storytelling explores the artistry behind the fairytale, making the book a delightful and layered read.

The Princess Bride 7 Key Takeaways

Buttercup and Westley's Love

Buttercup, a beautiful farm girl, falls in love with Westley, a humble farm boy. Their love sets the stage for the entire narrative.

Westley's Disappearance

Westley leaves to seek his fortune but is reportedly killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts, breaking Buttercup's heart.

Buttercup's Engagement to Humperdinck

Prince Humperdinck, seeking a bride, chooses Buttercup, who reluctantly agrees to marry him despite her lingering love for Westley.

The Kidnapping

Buttercup is kidnapped by Vizzini, Inigo Montoya, and Fezzik, setting off a series of thrilling and humorous adventures.

Westley's Return

Disguised as the Dread Pirate Roberts, Westley returns to rescue Buttercup, leading to epic battles and clever escapes.

The Climax

The climactic confrontation between Westley, Inigo, and Prince Humperdinck results in intense action and the resolution of multiple plot threads.

The Uncertain Ending

Goldman's narrative concludes with an ambiguous ending, suggesting that the characters face ongoing challenges but ultimately survive and thrive together.

Top The Princess Bride Quotes

  • 'As you wish.'
  • 'Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.'

Who should read The Princess Bride?

'The Princess Bride' is ideal for tweens, teens, and adults who enjoy adventure, romance, and humor. Its satirical take on traditional fairytales makes it appealing to those who appreciate layered storytelling.

About the Author

William Goldman was an acclaimed novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. Known for his witty and engaging storytelling, he wrote numerous successful novels and scripts, including 'Marathon Man' and 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.' His ability to blend humor, suspense, and deep emotional resonance has made his works timeless and widely appreciated.

The Princess Bride Best Reviews

  • 'Goldman's writing is brilliant and exhaustive, creating a world where an elaborate, ridiculous fairy tale is entirely plausible.' – New York Times
  • 'A satire that is as amusing and poignant as it is enchanting.' – The Guardian

The Princess Bride FAQs

What age is 'The Princess Bride' book appropriate for?

'The Princess Bride' is suitable for tweens and older. It contains intense cliffhangers and some scarier scenes compared to the film version.

Does 'The Princess Bride' book have a happy ending?

While the book concludes with some ominous crises, Goldman suggests that the characters do escape and live happily, albeit imperfectly, ever after.

Did William Goldman's father read him 'The Princess Bride'?

Goldman's father read him the exciting parts of 'The Princess Bride,' omitting almost 700 pages of boring Florinese court history.