Sorcerer's Apprentice

When I purchased this book, due to the title of the book, I expected the book to have an esoteric, occult, flavor and to describe some of the esoteric practices of India - perhaps something along the lines of the books on Aghora, given the illustration on the cover where the individual looks as if he were a devotee of Kali. To me the word "sorcery" represents working in some way with consciousness and energy. This book has nothing of the sort. It is all about performing illusions and is in a way a collection of tricks done by street magicians. If you like street magic, you may enjoy this book. Some of the tricks are based on outright deception, as in the slight-of-hand, while others may involve some knowlede of chemistry, physics, anatomy and psychology. You may feel inspired to get one of those Harry Potter science experiments kits or similar that begin by teaching you how to pass a boiled egg through a glass bottle. You may then progress onto other illusions as performed by David Blaine, Derren Brown or Chris Angel. I did find the writing style of the author rather entertaining and at time rather funny, which helped to swallow some sad facts about the life of the poor people in India (as in beggars renting babies so that they could make money - the book also has pictures of a "baby dealer" in Calcutta), about the way people look at and treat widows, and few other beliefs and customs that made me appreciate all over again all the comforts I have and sometimes take for granted.

I was amused by one of the reviews - how much squalor and grit could you want? This book described the lowest classes in India living in absolute squalor and poverty, scraping a living in the most ingenious ways, you get a picture of how strong the human spirit really is, even in the direst circumstances. This is the background of the story about Tahir Shah's training in magic and the art of illusion. Fascinating story, appeals to the cynic in me who believes that most "spirituality" is smoke and mirrors. anyway, I highly recommend this book - what an adventure. Loved the whole story from his childhood in England to his training in illusion and magic in India, and then his journey through India.

Brilliant is a word I'd like to use to describe this book on India and the day in a life of a student of magic under a fabled master.Dont expect any great magician secrets to be divulged here but be prepared to take a journey into an india that no other travel book can even come close to.Living in India I too have taken a reality check after reading this book. Its pure fascination how the country operates at ground level and the stories that tahir works into his travelogues are unbelievable at first but when you realise that this is not fiction, you cant help but just keep on devouring the pages hoping theres some magic rubbed off into the book which will never make it end.Thank you Tahir for this journey, I cant even start to think what you've been through is truly amazing.

Don't even think about not buying this book! It is so good that my husband started reading it after I was halfway through, and he was STEALING it from me by hiding in the bathroom with it.

Wonderfully engaging and affectionate look at Indian 'magic' Although this is not a novel it reads with the fluidity of good fiction and, if you didn't know otherwise, you would assume that is what this book is. In fact it is the story of a young man's journey through the world of Indian streetcorner trickery and 'miracles'. As a young boy the author was visited in England by an Indian historically linked to his family. Having been introduced by this man to the world of illusion, and its borders with magic and religion, a spark is set off in Shah's imagination. As a young man he sets off to find his teacher and in the process learns of the mythical conjuror Hakim Feroze who he must track down in order to learn the nature of miracles. This wonderful book takes us on a memorable journey through modern India with all its superstitions, scams and sorcery. The narrative is packed with oddball characters reminiscent of John Irving's finest and Shah keeps the pace fast with a fine eye for the comical and absurd. If there has been a better book published this year I would love to know what it is.