The Princess Bride - Book Review

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William Goldman’s The Princess Bride is a unique blend of fantasy, romance, adventure, and satire. Originally published in 1973, the novel presents itself as an abridged version of a fictional book by S. Morgenstern. Through its multi-layered narrative structure, memorable characters, and witty dialogue, the story delivers both a thrilling fairy tale and a clever commentary on storytelling itself.

At its core, The Princess Bride is a tale of true love and high adventure. The story centres on Buttercup, a beautiful young woman, and her devoted farmhand Westley. After falling in love, Westley leaves to seek his fortune but is reported dead, killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Heartbroken, Buttercup reluctantly agrees to marry Prince Humperdinck, a cruel and ambitious ruler.

Before the wedding, Buttercup is kidnapped by a trio of criminals: Vizzini, a cunning Sicilian; Fezzik, a gentle giant; and Inigo Montoya, a skilled swordsman seeking revenge for his father’s murder. The trio's plan is thwarted by a mysterious man in black, who defeats each of them in turn, rescues Buttercup, and reveals himself to be Westley, alive and disguised as the Dread Pirate Roberts.

The narrative unfolds with a mix of daring rescues, thrilling battles, and clever banter as Westley and his allies confront Humperdinck and his henchman, Count Rugen. The story ends ambiguously, leaving the fate of the characters open to interpretation.

The concept of true love is the heart of The Princess Bride. Westley and Buttercup’s love is portrayed as pure and enduring, driving much of the plot. Their relationship highlights the idea that love is worth any sacrifice, from Westley enduring torture to Buttercup risking her life to escape Humperdinck. However, the novel also pokes fun at romantic clichés, blending sincerity with satire.

Inigo Montoya’s quest to avenge his father’s death is one of the most compelling subplots. His iconic line, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die,” has become a cultural touchstone. Inigo’s journey explores themes of honour, loyalty, and the personal cost of revenge.

Goldman’s fictional “abridgement” adds a metafictional layer to the novel, allowing him to comment on the art of storytelling. By presenting the story as a “classic tale” that he is editing for modern readers, Goldman draws attention to the conventions of fairy tales, highlighting their absurdities while celebrating their timeless appeal.

The novel parodies traditional fairy tale and adventure tropes. Characters like Prince Humperdinck, a one-dimensional villain, and Vizzini, a stereotypical mastermind, are exaggerated for comedic effect. Even the heroic Westley and the beautiful Buttercup are not immune to satire, with their dialogue and decisions often lampooning romantic and heroic ideals.

Each major character brings a unique perspective on heroism. Westley’s resilience, Inigo’s dedication, and Fezzik’s loyalty contrast with Buttercup’s passivity and Humperdinck’s malevolence. By presenting flawed heroes and villains, Goldman adds depth to the narrative and challenges readers to reconsider traditional notions of heroism.

Westley: Westley is the quintessential hero, embodying bravery, intelligence, and devotion. His transformation from a humble farmhand to the feared Dread Pirate Roberts demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination. Despite his near-perfection, Westley’s smugness and overconfidence are subtly mocked, adding a layer of humour to his character.

Buttercup: Buttercup begins as a self-absorbed and naïve young woman but matures over the course of the story. While her role is largely passive, serving as the object of Westley’s affection and Humperdinck’s ambition, she occasionally displays courage and insight. Buttercup is both a parody of the traditional damsel in distress and a commentary on the limited roles available to women in classic fairy tales.

Inigo Montoya: Inigo is a fan favourite, known for his charm, skill, and relentless pursuit of justice. His quest to avenge his father’s death by killing Count Rugen is both tragic and inspiring. Inigo’s character arc is a testament to the power of perseverance and loyalty, as well as the human cost of revenge.

Fezzik: Fezzik, the giant, is a gentle and kind-hearted character who struggles with self-confidence. Despite his immense strength, he prefers poetry and friendship to violence. Fezzik’s journey emphasizes the importance of kindness and loyalty, making him one of the story’s most endearing figures.

Prince Humperdinck: Humperdinck is a classic villain, motivated by greed, power, and a lack of moral scruples. His plan to murder Buttercup and frame a neighbouring country for her death showcases his cunning but also his cowardice. Humperdinck serves as a satirical take on the archetypal evil prince, highlighting the absurdity of his exaggerated villainy.

Count Rugen: Rugen, Humperdinck’s right-hand man, is the embodiment of cold, calculated evil. His creation of the “Machine” to torture Westley demonstrates his sadistic tendencies. Rugen’s role as Inigo’s nemesis adds emotional weight to the story, culminating in a satisfying confrontation.

Vizzini: Vizzini, the self-proclaimed mastermind, is a comically arrogant character whose overconfidence leads to his downfall. His battle of wits with Westley is one of the novel’s most memorable scenes, showcasing Goldman’s sharp humour and clever dialogue.



The novel is framed as an abridged version of S. Morgenstern’s The Princess Bride, with Goldman inserting humorous asides and commentary throughout the text. This metafictional approach allows Goldman to satirize traditional storytelling while adding depth and complexity to the narrative. By pretending to “edit” the story, Goldman creates a sense of authenticity and humour, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

Goldman’s writing is infused with wit and irony, poking fun at the conventions of fairy tales and adventure stories. From the exaggerated character traits to the absurd plot twists, the novel delights in subverting reader expectations. This humour balances the darker elements of the story, creating a unique tone that is both playful and poignant.

The novel’s episodic structure keeps the story engaging, with each chapter introducing new challenges and characters. The fast-paced action sequences are balanced by moments of introspection and humour, ensuring that the narrative remains dynamic and compelling.

The Cliffs of Insanity symbolize the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by the characters. Their literal and metaphorical climb reflects the determination and ingenuity required to overcome adversity.

Humperdinck’s Zoo of Death, where he keeps exotic animals for hunting and tortures Westley, represents his cruelty and obsession with control. It also serves as a dark mirror to the adventurous, light-hearted tone of the rest of the story.

The Fire Swamp is both a literal and symbolic trial for Westley and Buttercup. Its dangers, such as the R.O.U.S. (Rodents of Unusual Size) and flame spurts, test their courage and resourcefulness, reinforcing their bond.

Upon its release, The Princess Bride received positive reviews for its inventive storytelling and sharp humor. Critics praised Goldman’s ability to blend satire with genuine emotion, creating a story that appeals to both children and adults. The novel’s enduring popularity led to a successful 1987 film adaptation directed by Rob Reiner, which has since become a beloved classic.

The Princess Bride has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its memorable quotes, such as “As you wish” and “Inconceivable!” have become part of the cultural lexicon. The novel’s subversion of genre tropes has influenced countless works of fiction, inspiring writers to experiment with narrative structure and tone.

The novel’s cast is richly developed, with each character bringing a unique perspective and charm. Goldman’s wit and irony elevate the story, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The metafictional framing adds depth and complexity, encouraging readers to think critically about storytelling. The novel’s blend of adventure, romance, and humour ensures its enduring relevance.

Some readers may find Buttercup’s limited agency frustrating, as her character often relies on others to take action. The frequent interruptions from Goldman’s commentary may disrupt the flow of the story for some readers.

The Princess Bride is a masterful blend of fantasy, satire, and romance that continues to captivate readers with its wit, charm, and emotional depth. Goldman’s ability to subvert traditional storytelling while celebrating its timeless appeal makes the novel a unique and enduring work.

With its memorable characters, clever narrative structure, and sharp social commentary, The Princess Bride transcends its genre, offering a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of fairy tales.

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