Having the beginnings of a romance interrupted with the throes of a slow-built suspense novel, Maugham presents a group of characters whose lives are altered because of an imposing and self-proclaimed magician. Set in the early twentieth century, questions of early modern science and occult abilities are incorporated to create a classic story that unfortunately reeks of unoriginality.

Slow to start, “The Magician” has the usual pace of a classic novel that builds up its characters in an effect to understand the alteration of the individuals during the story. However, like a marinating piece of meat, the characters’ tension take too long to spice up the story. The limbo-like tempo continues to slog on until roughly three-fourths of the way into the book. On finally reaching the suspenseful points, my time had been so invested that it was necessary to finish the story to satisfy my peeked curiosity. Luckily for me, at this point, the novel continues its fast-paced intrigue all the way through the final pages.

I admit that the allusions to great works of art give a cultured aspect to the story. However, borrowing plots of manipulation and fear from “Dracula” lend an effect of déjà vu that is not necessarily welcome. Likewise, the mixture of similar romance and science features from
“Frankenstein” lend a hint of originality that could also be considered a rip-off of other classics. No wonder Maugham readily admitted to borrowing themes from various other classics.

Although I am a fan of the traditional literature, it is hard for me to completely appreciate a novel that repeatedly sponges aspects off of much older literary classics.