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"The Return of the Magus"
A new documentary on John Fowles' relationship with Greece
and its impact on his writing of The Magus
In 1998, John Fowles returned (after 45 years) to Greece
and the island that serves as the backdrop for The Magus.
This one-hour documentary follows his journey to the locations
that inspired his magnificent novel. Highlights include:
- Fowles traveling by boat to the island of Spetses, intercut
with narrated quotes from The Magus.
- His exploration of the now-deserted boarding school where
he (and Nicholas) taught.
- A visit to the villa "Jasmin," the model for
Conchis' estate "Bourani" in The Magus
(with more narration from the book).
- Fowles visits with Lilette Botassi, granddaughter of the
man who first received Fowles--then a young teacher--at
the villa in 1952. This man was in part the model for Conchis.
- A visit to a local museum, where Fowles discusses the
violent history of Greece and reads a poem he wrote inspired
by the beauty and peace of the island.
- Fowles travels on to the ruined city of Monemvasia, where
he dramatically re-enacts the scene where Nicholas awakens
after the trial and must choose between life or death at
the top of the ruins.
This documentary does a wonderful job of
capturing Fowles' love of Greece, and providing insight into
his writing of
The Magus.
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