The particular brand of misdirection that lies at the heart of theatrical conjuring is also a favourite Priest literary ploy – the art of not so much fooling the audience as encouraging them to fool themselves.
[…] more Gothic than science fiction in flavour, heavy with metaphorical power.
There are revelations, and more is implied about the peculiar nature of the Angier/Tesla effect’s payoff or ‘prestige’ – a term used in this sense by both magicians.
The trick is done; before and after, Priest has rolled up both sleeves; his hands are empty and he fixes you with an honest look.
And yet …
you realise that it is necessary to read The Prestige again.
It’s an extraordinary performance, his best book in years, perhaps his best ever.
