I could not put this book down, yet as I read the reason was not obvious. Beautifully written but a brilliant exercise in repetition. I became entranced. The book is hypnotic. At the end, the journey I had been on was not completely clear, as if I had emerged from an eon compressed in a 5 minute nap. I can remember it all yet I remain unsure of the purpose. Was Jilly Farina from Marston Mills a wide eyed delusional apostle and Millroy a false prophet? Was Millroy God's son but ultimately imperfect. The broader commentary on religion and the ability of humans to shape it to their needs, destroying the good in it, is excellent, but the tale is told over and over. The theme of diet does get to you in the end, even if it is partly allegorical. I am observing blockages and pursuing open bowels with a new fervour. The final chapters only partly reconcile the doubts about Millroy's intention for Jilly that are manifest from the books beginning. Is Millroy a paedophile? Perhaps it is this uncomfortable line that Theroux walks that is so compelling. Millroy is at once a savior for Jilly but also a potential predator. It is his own internal conflict over his intentions that gives him power? In many ways I have to concede the deeper threads in this book have probably sailed over my head. Worth reading nonetheless.
Unlike almost everything else I've read by Theroux, this book did not seem one bit autobiographical (until the very end). The characters Millroy and Jilly were superbly created, delightful, surprising reading. I love the crankiness that comes through here, the criticism of the American way of life, the hard look at Americans' lumpy malformed physiques. Toward the center of the book it seemed the author was not sure where to take the story, and it became a little repetative, but the characters were so strong and original I didn't mind. Overtones, or undertones, of religion and spirituality were strong, pure, thought provoking. Eccellent.
What do You think about Millroy The Magician (1995)?
It is not often that I am at a loss for words about a particular book. It is even less frequent if I am not sure whether I liked a book or not. It took me about one week to read Millroy, and I primarily read because I wanted to see how the story of Millroy and Jilly would end. I still don't know if I enjoyed this book. The character of Millroy is certainly a complex and fascinating one, but the plot left something to be desired (for me). I wouldn't recommend this one to most readers - it is extremely bizarre and I can't say it was a pleasure read.
—Stephanie
