The Prestige

The plot of the novel is built on a fierce rivalry between two outstanding illusionists of the second half of the 19th century. The hatred that began in early youth turns their lives into an endless contest. Over the years, the desire to win a final, crushing victory over the rival becomes unbearable, and the struggle grows so intense that every method is good: stealing other people’s secrets, giving tips to the audience during the performance, and openly sabotaging the show. Yet each of them remains a virtuoso in their craft and constantly perfects their skills by inventing ever newer, ever more elaborate tricks. And now both are successful, rich, and have reached unprecedented heights in the art of illusion—heights beyond which lies the boundary of reality. But one of them is ready to go even higher…