Millroy the Magician

by Paul Theroux

An enchanting novel about a magician, a 14-year-old runaway girl, and their unlikely odyssey through America as imagined by a master storyteller. The magician's meteoric rise to fame is balanced by the depth of the bond he forms with Jilly, providing her with the care and concern that her abusive homelife lacked.

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Literature, Novels, Fantasy, The United States Of America, American

439 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Paul Edward Theroux is an American travel writer and novelist, whose best known work is The Great Railway Bazaar (1975), a travelogue about a trip he made by train from Great Britain through Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, through South Asia, then South-East Asia, up through East Asia, as far east as Japan, and then back across Russia to his point of origin. Although perhaps best known as a travelogue writer, Theroux has also published numerous works of fiction, some of which were made into feature films. He was awarded the 1981 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel The Mosquito Coast.

He is the father of Marcel and Louis Theroux, and the brother of Alexander and Peter. Justin Theroux is his nephew.

Reviews

[Whitni · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here's a book about a racist, narcissistic, xenophobic pedifile who kidnaps a troubled young girl by trapping her in a burlap sack, forces her to cross-dress and pretend to be his son, says a bunch of creepy, codependent things to her, and tries to impress her with magic tricks that become increasingly desperate and homicidal so that she'll fall in love with him, while simultaneously founding a cult based on quirky interpretations of the bible used to further his own sense of moral superiority through fanatical scatology and food restrictions. The colorless landscape of this novel is peopled with one-dimensional characters who unanimously fail to ever say anything worthwhile, instead using questionable slang repetitively. Most of the black children exploited by Millroy the cult leader, who have racist names like "Peaches" and "T. Van", routinely use the word "yo" as if it were a complete sentence, while none of them ever say anything even remotely suggestive of reflection or intelligence yet we are to believe that between two of them they can run a restaurant franchise. If you are determined to read this book, be prepared for food analogies for rape, glaring contradictions, abundant child labor, victim-blaming during allegations of child molestation, and several plot points that are just glazed over, such as the oft-repeated declaration that Millroy controls nine of his bodily functions, though the only one he demonstrates is the bodily function that apparently allows people to remove their own hands for entertainment purposes. In spite of his dogmatic dieting he still spends hours in the bathroom, even giving him time to read the bible on the toilet. There are plenty of valid reasons to eat healthy, but doing so only because a magician on television tells you it's in the bible is not one of them. Still however, Jilly, the kidnapped girl, who by the end of the novel is "going on sixteen", which is apparently a totally reasonable age to make out with a young-looking elderly man, falls for him because her fear of him is only slightly less than her fear of being alone. The characters in this novel are terrible and the only reason I continued reading it to the end was in hopes that it ended in a murder suicide. Spoiler: it doesn't.

[Oceana2602 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another typical case of "Don't judge a book by its cover"...

If you've been following my reviews for a while, you'll know by now that I havea mad love affair with Paul Theroux. (his books, of course. It's totally what I mean to say).

I LOVE Theroux.

No discussion about it. Nothing he can do will convince me otherwise. I hope. OMG I really really hope.

Of course I don't love every single one of his books, which would be asking a bit much, since a) he has written a lot more than most good authors these days, and b) he has written a few things that can clearly be labelled as "I was young or otehrwise desperate and needed the money" and c) if even Charles Schulz couldn't be a completely brilliant EVERY single day, we can't really expect it from Theroux either. Actually, I love him even more because of his weaknesses.

Ok, ignore that. And please trust me when I tell you that I'm not a fourteen year old girl witha crush, even though I sound like one...


Anyway, Theroux, books, covers, where were we?

Right, judging a book by its cover. Or not judging it. This one I judged a little bit - I had acquired a copy of Millroy in the form of a black paperback with a sort of esoteric of I don't know what. That plus the title (Magician? I'm not really into all that magic stuff) led to the aforementioned paperback sitting on my bookshelf for quite a few years until I finally convinced myself to read it this year.

And it was absolutely brilliant.

Yes, there is a magician. He may or may not be able to perform "real" magic. That's not what the book is about. The book is actually a fantastically spot-on satirical look on, well, everything - our belief in TV, the supernatural, advertising, eating (and the ridiculous cults we follow oin the name of health and goop, uhm, sorry, typo, I meant food), religion... it's absolutely brilliant.

The idea is as brilliant as the execution - at least until the very end. The ending is, well, I'm not going to spoil you, but it is surprising and extreme, and it spoke to me, because I felt that the book needed a bit of an abrupt shock as an end. I was expecting something different, but it worked for me.

This comes highly recommended, it's definitely one of the best books I've read this year.

[Peter Soutowood · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the only Theroux book I couldn't finish. By three-quarters through, I still didn't know what the story was about, didn't understand the odd and two-dimensional characters, and didn't even bother to the end to find out what happened, because I didn't care. A rare miss.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is tricky surprising and so incredibly beautiful. It will give you much to ponder about humanity and the power of belief. I sincerely enjoyed it and could not put it down.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this for a book club...blech! Just. Terrible. I couldn't bring myself to finish it.

[Sana · Rating 3 out of 5]

what a strange little book with a strange little ending, but i actually really enjoyed it and felt the aim of the book as i understood it was accomplished. wouldn’t recommend it to anyone i know though, none of y’all would like this

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Billed as "a funny, dark satire of America's obsessions," and written by the talented Paul Theroux, this book should have been right up my alley, but quite possibly it is one of the stupidest things I've ever read. A warning label would be helpful: Caution--contains spurious vomiting and other unwarranted redundancies and pointless excesses. What in the heck was this all about? Cannot believe I kept reading this muddled tale to the very end. It did not get better.

[Sebastian Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fave authors. Been reading Theroux since early titles (Saint Jack; Fong and the Indians). This one is a terrific fable, excellent dialogue, nicely paced.

[Camerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh off “Fresh Air Fiend” I was hungry for more Paul Theroux and interested in reading some of his fiction… this story was strange, creepy, preachy and definitely dated but also oddly hypnotic.

Strongly reminiscent of Lolita, not just as a kidnapping a young lover story but also as a love letter to a flawed America.

[Amy Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lonely child meets a magician at a fair and they go on to accidentally start a diet cult...so weird, just great.

[Stephen Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[William Barr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am a fan of Theroux's non fiction and enjoyed reading his novel The Mosquito Coast so it was with anticipation that I obtained a copy of Millroy the Magician.
It has been described as a parable of modern America, possibly so but I for one didn't get it.
I struggled to finish it, all the time hoping that switch would come on in my head and I would see the light, unfortunately all remained in darkness and as the last sentence of the final chapter was at last read, my sense of relief was mingled with disappointment
A small consolation though was that my copy came from the public library and did not directly pay for it.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I've never truly watched the TV-series "Carnivale", as I found them too scary for the time of day they were broadcasted, this book oozes the same feeling of dark mystery, which is partly why I loved it. Millroy is a magician capable of true magic (liquidizing people and drinking them like milk) and is obsessed with healthy food as eaten in the Bible. He takes 14-year old Jilly along on his travels, and it is through her eyes we see the slightly disturbing story unfold.

[Jodi Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little creepy, a little gross, but not in a page-turning kind of way. The best way to describe my reaction to this book is that it kept me waiting. Waiting for anything to happen. Anything. It seemed to stay in one place throughout. I'm such a sucker for good characters, and will plod through all kinds of lazy plots, but this one didn't satisfy. Like a burger will satisfy. The characters had potential, but they never sucked me into their world.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a weird book, it was engaging, but I kept waiting for the story to start!
I know I know, "the journey is the destination", but I didn't like where this book ended up at all. I kept reading, hoping for... something. But nope.
It gets two stars for being nicely written. But next time, I'd prefer some plot along with the pretty prose.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this is Theroux's funniest book. He takes potshots at all kinds of American icons from pompous religious types, to organic food fanatics, to children's TV. The story can be disturbing at times but if you read it to the end you will be rewarded by some real surprises.

[Gretta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Paul Theroux’s travel writing, but I just found this book unreadable. It just went on and on with no direction. The relationship between the main characters is creepy, and the obsession with dieting seems very dated. Unfortunate!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites. I'd hesitate to recommend it to most people I know though. It's an odd, odd little book that for some reason really resonated with me.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Theroux, but his fiction is often hit or miss. And this was a big miss.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

....someone read this book and explain....

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not love. Paul Theroux is one of my all time favorite authors but this was disappointing. Repetitive, dull, I reluctantly trudged to the boring conclusion.

[Lizp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sublimely satirical. Some of the disapproving reviews gave me the impression that the satire sailed clearly over those naysaying reviewers’ heads.

Don’t let the magician bit put you off. Also, don’t let the less than attractive dust jacket deter you from delving into this great read. Millroy and 14 year old Jilly (a great fan of his) hit the road together and much adventure ensues.

Whilst Millroy is a magician, it’s unclear if he can actually perform magic. Theroux, in this extraordinary book, is satirising TV, advertising, eating, the supernatural, religion, etc. The book is extremely well written. I was engaged from the outset. Theroux’s scathing take on televangelism and society’s obsession with natural foods is outstanding. The book’s ending is shocking. Havimg said that, I really enjoyed the ending.

I highly recommend this book.

[Mboconnor31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Paul Theroux and I would expect nothing like the numerous books he is known for as a trAvel writer. Strange trip it is though. I like the book. It was definitely well written. The protagonist was interesting who spoke like the inimitable Jeeves, which made it a lot of fun. The satire is on the American fast food cuisine and I doubt I will be able to get the maxims out of my head. There is a lot of shape shifting going on with the protagonist, one picture is drawn only for it to be morphed.

The ending made little sense to me, which was disappointing. Contrary to the quixotic end and what some critics wrote, it was not a love story. To call it one, is like calling Lolita a love story.

[Selene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This is some crazy mixed up world, oh excuse me - it’s our world. We all have magic in us, Millroy has more, probably because he is a magician and boy does it get him into trouble.
I can’t fathom this book. Is Millroy the second coming? Is he just a good guy trying to help out so people can live two hundred years? Has he realised the money he can make from creating a cult?
I’ve no idea, but I don’t see him as evil and conniving, more childlike and trusting. I’m not sure I enjoyed it - but it makes you think about humanity, and what makes people tick. On the whole, I’d say it was an experience.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant because this novel is so very original! I loved this author's Bible-inspired tale. The two-dimensional characters fit perfectly in the setting (like the two-dimensional people we read about in the Bible). This is sublime satire; as a faithful Catholic is made me laugh, cringe, and doubt my faith at times. I truly enjoyed this book, but would not know who to recommend it to! I am grateful for the imaginative, beautiful ending. Sigh :) Thank you, Mr. Theroux.

[Michael Alan Grapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jilly Farina, a small abused young girl saw him at the county fair. Millroy the magician was amazing to her. He convinced her to run away with him and hid her as his son Alex. Together they inadvertently created a religious sect based on a vegetarian diet taken from passages in the bible. As his fame rose they found themselves beset and in need of escape...strange magic and interesting characters.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odd to read this book again, nearly 30 years after it was written. Much of what it has to say about the US and attitudes towards demagoguery still hold true and, if anything, seem even prescient. That said, there are elements that feel slightly creepy to modern eyes, which is also interesting. All the Theroux tropes are there e.g. the phonetic spelling of accents, but that's no bad thing as he remains a master storyteller.

[Win ♠️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a confusing book, didn't know if Millroy was a paedophile or a magician. All he did was highly unnecessary and I couldn't seem to find the purpose of the book.

He was also racist, he portrayed America in a light that's scary and confusing like his book. I can't seem to find the fascination with this book. He's a great writer though. The simple and short sentences that made up the book, I liked the way he wrote. The story? Pffft nope.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theroux never fails to amaze and entertain and this satiric expose of both televangelism and natural foods is both hilarious and scary. Spellbound from start to startling finish. One of the magician's tricks perhaps or Theroux's is that too much happens in too short a time frame - like a movie or a dream. Time collapses on itself and the world emerges fully formed.