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47 pages 1 hour read

The Magician's Assistant

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997

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Book Brief

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Ann Patchett

The Magician's Assistant

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

357

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett, the protagonist, Sabine, navigates grief and love after the death of her magician husband, Parsifal, who she later learns has hidden his true origins and surviving family in Nebraska. After inviting them to Los Angeles and subsequently traveling to Nebraska, Sabine uncovers painful family secrets while forging new connections, ultimately finding a renewed sense of self and belonging. The book includes descriptions of anti-gay bias, domestic violence, and physical abuse, and contains discussion of AIDS and its related social stigma.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ann Patchett's The Magician's Assistant is widely praised for its lyrical prose and deeply emotional narrative. Reviewers appreciate its exploration of love, loss, and identity. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it is celebrated for its rich character development and evocative storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Magician's Assistant?

Readers who enjoy The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett are often fans of magical realism and deeply emotional narratives. They might also appreciate books like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, which delve into complex relationships and explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Character List

Sabine

The protagonist and a magician's assistant whose life changes after her husband's death. She must navigate personal growth and discover her own identity beyond the role she played in Parsifal's life.

Parsifal's mother, who is introduced to Sabine after Parsifal's death. She plays a significant role in helping Sabine connect with Parsifal's past and family.

Sabine's husband and a magician who has passed away before the story begins. His past and secrets are gradually revealed through the memories of those who knew him.

Parsifal's lover and an important figure in Sabine's memories. He appears in Sabine's dreams, providing insight and guidance as she processes her grief.

Parsifal's sister, who becomes close to Sabine after Parsifal's death. She offers insights into Parsifal's early life and forms a deep bond with Sabine.

Parsifal's younger sister, whom he never met. She is close to their mother, Dot, and represents hope for the family's future.

Kitty's husband, whose temperament and behavior cause tension within the family. He serves as a character that influences the dynamics between Kitty and Sabine.

Kitty's sons, who physically resemble Parsifal. They symbolize a promising future for the family with their positive disposition.

Book Details
Pages

357

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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