Honestly, I expected more considering the movie is so beloved and one of my all time favorite movies. However, the quaint interruptions with Grandfather and grandson is completely different in this novel. First, we are reading the abridged version according to writer William Goldman. He's telling us that S. Morgenstern originally wrote the book but there are these long portions that reveal that the book wasn't a story but rather a historical telling of Florin's history. So periodically Goldman cuts in to tell us what he's cut out and at time he doesn't pick up where the story left off. 
 Then you might discover, as I did, that you care very little for Buttercup but are far more impressed with Westley (aka The Dread Pirate Roberts, Man In Black), Fezzik the Giant, and Inigo Montoya. The book in the movie parallel each other much of the time as this is the abridgement of the "original book" by the screenplay writer. So we meet many of the beloved characters and we get to read the story we've loved over the years only there are things like the Zoo of Death that we get to experience where we didn't get them in the movie. You'll also find that half the time the things that aren't in the movie are actually a good thing. 
 Inigo's story really does carry most of the book and even if you aren't enjoying the book you can't wait to read "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die! 
 Now, that isn't to say that the story isn't worth reading but if you've watched the movie it is highly likely you will ever need to read it. Of course, I do enjoy that at the very end of this edition there is a short called Buttercup's Baby which is essentially a small continuation of the story so you know more about what happened to our beloved characters.... but only a little more. 
 I have to tell you. Overall the book is maddening while being great and good in parts. I only give it a 3 because it is The Princess Bride and even if the book made me want to throw it, the story is worthy. The movie, of course, gets a 5. 
 MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!!!!! 
 You will also discover it is a huge sham. This is not an abridgement book but rather a very cleverly thought out ruse to make you thing you are reading an abridgment which makes you think something has been stolen from you, only to discover that there is no S. Morgenstern and that William Goldman is the true writer and has come up with the concept to fake out the reader. It is a brilliant idea that I think fails because you seem to realize early on that he's messing with you and because of the actual story. 
 The problem is, while the idea is brilliant, the execution is less so. You will be happily reading along until you glance those italic which signal that Goldman will butt in and you dread it, are willing to skip it, think you might miss something important and read it, only to realize your first instinct was right on and you should have skipped it. Damn, over-thinking it.